Environmental Features

Green from the inside out. And the ground up.

The Austonian is proud to participate in the Austin Energy Green Building Program with environmentally sensitive and friendly materials and resources, indoor air quality monitoring, water and energy conservation, and more. The building’s high-rise configuration provides an overall reduced impact on land, energy and other resources compared to scores of typical suburban homes. By putting life within walking distance, owners of The Austonian have much less need to drive, reducing pollution and congestion.

The Austonian has achieved a four-star rating designation through the Austin Energy Green Building Rating System. This rating is approximate to the LEED Gold Rating from the USGBC.

Water savings.

It is estimated that The Austonian will save up to 33.2 million gallons of water each year in landscape watering alone, compared to a typical hill country community of 166 families living on one acre suburban lots. This is due not only to The Austonian community requiring little land, but also to its unique condensate capture system, requiring no public water for landscape irrigation of the Lawn. Low-flow toilets, lavatories and shower heads are installed which will reduce the use of potable water by at least 30% over typical fixtures.

Less auto use.

The Austonian's location puts dining, shopping, entertainment, employment and recreation within a five-minute walk, lowering the carbon footprint for every resident. Secured bicycle storage makes zero-fuel transportation an excellent option. Families in typical single family homes generate 10 vehicle trips per day. Urban living reduces the vehicle trips per day and shortens those daily vehicle trips that are needed.

Construction materials.

The Austonian residences have been designed to maximize outdoor views. Specially coated and insulated glass provides year-round energy savings and comfort by helping manage the sun's energy and maximizing HVAC efficiency. All adhesives, sealants, paints and coatings used throughout public and private spaces adhere to the strict VOC requirements designed by the LEED's Green Building Rating System. These low-emitting materials achieve energy savings through reduced ventilation requirements and improve indoor air quality and all come from sustainable sources. The Austonian's roofing system combines reflective materials and other green features to minimize the building's contribution to Austin's urban heat island effect.

Electrical power.

Utilities are one area where saving the environment also means saving money. The Austonian has partnered with local “green power” provider, Austin Energy, to supply such efficiencies to residents. Sensors and dimming ballasts in select common areas reduce the amount of lighting used when they are unoccupied. The Austonian’s heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system operates using the Austin chilled water system, rather than using electricity and 166 or more individual HVAC units, each powering condensers and separate cooling systems. By using the chilled water system flowing under downtown Austin roadways, little energy is consumed to heat and cool The Austonian residences.