Additional energy efficiency comes from the more typical high-efficiency furnace and A/C, instantaneous water heaters, and heat recovery ventilators. Adding up to more than 50% over energy code (2003 IECC) requirements qualifies the project for a federal tax deduction for the developer. Because the bar is so high, few Chicago-area developers have taken advantage of this incentive - this project demonstrates that it is achievable.

The project includes other typical green features such as a green roof, low-VOC paints, and sustainably harvested wood. Paperstone, a countertop product made from recycled paper, is a nice inclusion which we haven’t yet seen used by developers (or at least actively marketed). Other project team members include energy consultant George Sullivan of Eco Smart Building and Celeste Karan of Keller Williams Realty.