Environmental Features
Green from the inside out. And the ground up.
From the way it's constructed to the particular brand of luxurious living it affords, The Austonian is one of the most sustainable addresses in Austin. A long list of features has resulted in The Austonian seeking a four-star rating from the City of Austin in its Green Building Rating System, equivalent to the LEED Gold Rating from the USGBC.
Water savings.
It is estimated that The Austonian will save up to 37.6 million gallons of water each year in landscape watering alone, compared to a typical hill country community of 188 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 188 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.
