The Standard

Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Caleb Jobe

As going green skyrockets in popularity, recycling and buying organic products may not be enough for some.

For those looking for a new home next fall who wish to further their eco-friendly habits, or who just want to save money on energy bills, the newly developing eko Park Apartments, built with eco-friendly materials and stocked with energy saving appliances, may be the right choice.

Located at the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Catalpa Street, eko Park is now leasing for the fall semester with about 42 units still available for move-in in August, said Michael Duncan, the resident manager of The Wooten Company and eko Park Apartments leasing agent.

Green building materials

The drywall, siding and woods used in the apartments are made either with completely or partially recycled materials, developer Matt Miller said.

He said recycled insulation is also being blown into the framework instead of using insulation panels, and it is being sealed with caulk to make it as airtight as possible.

Another energy-saving feature being implemented is double Low-E windows.

"Low-E is a film put on windows that reflects ultraviolet rays, keeping heat out," Miller said. "The double-paned windows are also filled with Argon gas in between the panes that acts as an insulator to keep out heat and cold."

He said in addition to the recycled materials being used, any construction waste is sent off for recycling instead of to a landfill.

Eco-friendly features

All Energy Star appliances, those that meet energy-use guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, are also being placed inside the apartments, Miller said.

Programmable thermostats are another characteristic that will allow residents to save on energy costs.

"It's good if you're gone all day and want a certain temperature when you get back or want to save energy during the day," he said.

Another unique aspect for this complex is a solar-powered clubhouse.

The clubhouse has solar panels on the roof that generate electricity and reduce the amount of electricity used to power things like computers, lights and vending machines, Miller said.

Described by Miller as a "very interactive green area," residents can experience a wireless coffee shop, a fitness center, a business center where they can copy or scan documents and a conference room all under one roof.

Green ideas

Miller said the development was initially started last year without the intention of it being green.

"Green was becoming popular so we did research on it, and it seemed the right thing to do," he said.

The project went green in fall 2008, and building began in December 2008.

He said developing an energy-conscious apartment complex was not easy, as there are no specific guidelines for apartments.

"It's been hard because there are no other eco-friendly apartments here so we've had to be on our toes and make it up as we went along," he said.

Miller said they have drawn ideas from the LEED guidelines, an eco-friendly building evaluation system for commercial properties, as well as the National Association of Home Builders guidelines for single family homes.

"Many of our tenants will be living in their first green home," he said. "Maybe that can help them to begin to live a more sustainable lifestyle."

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