State's First ENERGY STAR® Qualified Multifamily High-Rise Apartment Building Opens for Madison Residents

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ted Leopkey, ENERGY STAR® representative for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced today the recent completion of the City Row Apartments—Wisconsin's  first ENERGY STAR qualified multifamily high-rise building, and one of only 17 in the nation. With the help of Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, developer Stone House Development, Inc. of Madison, Wis., was able to achieve this innovative distinction by integrating numerous energy-efficiency measures into the 83-unit complex.

"City Row Apartments is a shining example of what we at the EPA see as the future of multifamily high-rise housing," explained Leopkey. "ENERGY STAR has been successful in helping transform the single family and low-rise multifamily markets and we hope to do the same for high-rise residential buildings. City Row will be a great place for families to live, not only because it is a great building, but also because residents can expect lower utility bills and increased comfort."

Pilot Program Provides Unique Opportunity

To address the challenge of qualifying multifamily high-rise buildings as ENERGY STAR, the EPA approved a limited ENERGY STAR multifamily high-rise pilot program for Wisconsin, New York, and Oregon. Under this pilot program, a newly constructed building that is 20 percent more energy efficient than a building constructed to standard specifications can be labeled as ENERGY STAR certified.

"Since Focus on Energy already has an established program that offers technical expertise and financial incentives to help make multi-unit residential properties more energy efficient, this program was a perfect fit for Wisconsin," explained Mike Plunkett, program manager for Focus on Energy.

Energy-Efficient Features

Focus on Energy worked with the developer to incorporate a number of energy-saving measures designed to meet the program's requirement of being 20 percent more energy efficient than a building constructed to standard specifications. For example, the building has ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent fixtures, LED (light emitting diode) lighting in the garage, and lighting occupancy sensors in most of the common areas. In addition, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and windows were used throughout.

Moreover, spray foam insulation was used in the walls and the building's envelope was well-sealed to reduce air leakage and maximize the high-efficiency cooling and radiant heating equipment. The development also leverages renewable energy with a solar electric system and two solar hot water systems. Overall, the building's energy-efficient features should conserve more than 35,490 therms of natural gas and about 672,350 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first year alone, saving the development $123,861 on annual energy costs and preventing close to 1,560,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

"To have the City Row Apartments recognized by the EPA as the first ENERGY STAR qualified high-rise apartment building in the state is a great honor for us, and one we worked hard to achieve," said Rich Arnesen, vice president of Stone House Development, Inc. "We are proud to provide Madison families in need with high-quality, energy-efficient housing at an affordable price."

Community Impact

The City Row Apartments, which received significant funding from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA), not only offer affordable rental housing to Madison residents, but the development also sets a great example for the community.

"When you consider the housing sector accounts for more than one-third of all energy consumed in the United States on a daily basis, it becomes important to remember the environmental impact of where we live," continued Plunkett. "This is why Wisconsin residents need to know, whether they own a home, business, or rent an apartment, they have the ability to take control of their energy use—and Focus on Energy is here to help."

To get more information about the programs available through Focus on Energy, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

About Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy works with eligible Wisconsin residents and businesses to install cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Focus information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement projects that otherwise would not be completed, or to complete projects sooner than scheduled. Its efforts help Wisconsin residents and businesses manage rising energy costs, promote in-state economic development, protect our environment, and control the state's growing demand for electricity and natural gas. For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com.

SOURCE Focus on Energy