Hats off to Chamber member Harwood International and its planned energy-efficient residential development.
While many of the Chamber’s air quality initiatives encourage reduced driving, building energy efficiency is another avenue to reducing the harmful emissions that form ozone. With this in mind, this month’s Clean Air Hero is Azure – a high-rise residential development that will open in the spring of 2007.
Here are a few examples of the ways that Azure will conserve energy and protect our environment:
To diminish the energy needed to heat and cool Azure, exterior windows and doors will meet the U.S. Leadership in Energy and Efficiency Design (LEED) requirements, and the units will feature operable windows and doors to allow fresh air circulation throughout the building. Deep terraces and highly efficient air conditioning systems will further reduce the building’s energy needs.
Azure’s mechanical systems, like the other buildings in Harwood International Center, will be electronically monitored to produce the highest level of efficiency, guaranteeing optimal utility and maintenance costs.
To ensure that environmental benefits are realized as soon as possible, waste materials will be recycled according to LEED requirements while Azure is under construction. And, when possible, construction materials within 500 miles of the site will be used in preference to others - another strategy that conserves energy.
Even Azure’s location will conserve energy and curtail pollution. It is within walking distance of dozens of Dallas cultural venues, restaurants and shopping. Further, public transportation is available immediately adjacent to the location. This "Walk to Life" cosmopolitan lifestyle further adds to the environmentally friendly nature of Azure.
Harwood International has constructed four other buildings in Harwood International Center, all recognized with the EPA’s "Energy Star" designation. The company is committed to developing environmentally friendly buildings and to incorporating natural green spaces and water features in all its future projects.
