Enso-Atlanta Named Southeast’s First Gold LEED Certified Multi-Family Complex
ATLANTA, GA – Enso-Atlanta, a 325-unit multi-family complex in Grant Park, has received Gold LEED certification. It’s the first apartment community in the Southeast to earn this distinction for environmental sustainability. Enso achieved 40 credits, exceeding the Gold threshold of 39 by a point.
“We wanted to create a sustainable community in the heart of Atlanta, and challenged ourselves to go the extra mile during every phase of planning and construction,” said Colin Cavill, co-founder of Capital 33, the developer of Enso.
Enso, which broke ground in March 2009 and officially opened in June, will be 93 percent occupied by the end of September. “We’re proud to offer renters in Atlanta the ability to live a green lifestyle,” added Cavill.
During Enso’s construction, 85 percent of building materials were recycled and 92 percent came from within 500 miles of the site. “Our goal was to keep this project local and make the most of the resources at our fingertips,” said Cavill.
Enso’s eco-friendly features include:
Cistern for rainwater harvesting that holds over 76,000 gallons, the equivalent of five
standard-sized swimming pools; 84 percent of rainwater that falls on property is collected.
Over one acre of landscaping indigenous to the area, which reduces water consumption by nearly 51 percent
Water-efficient plumbing, which saves each resident 40,000 gallons annually and reduces overall consumption by about 22 percent (total savings equate to over 1 million gallons annually)
Zero use of volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and carpeting
No ozone-depleting appliance refrigerants
High-efficiency air conditioning, which reduces consumption by 14 percent
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About Enso
Ensoatl.com is an eco-friendly apartment community located at 880 Glenwood Avenue in Atlanta. It has 325 units, ranging from 775 to 1,400 square feet. Along with striking interior features, the community offers tenants cyber and gaming lounges, multimedia bar
with movie theater, fitness and business center, bark park and green-friendly cleaning services.
LEED Fact Facts
What is LEED certification?
LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability world-wide. Achieving LEED certification is the best way for a developer to demonstrate that a building project is truly “green.”
The LEED green building rating system — developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, a Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit coalition of building industry leaders — is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.
What are the LEED levels and what do they mean?
There are four levels: certified, silver, gold and platinum. LEED rating is based on a 100-point system with platinum being the most rigorous standard to achieve.
What are the benefits of LEED certification?
On average, LEED buildings save residents 25 to 35 percent in energy costs. Green buildings average 30 to 50 percent less in energy costs than conventional buildings.
What measurements are used to determine a building’s sustainability under the LEED system?
LEED measurements include sustainable sites, water and energy efficiency, waste reduction, indoor environmental quality and design innovation.
