New standards, products on the horizon

As we reported in last month’s issue (“The IAQ Quandary”), the demand for energy-efficient buildings has created a market for airtight homes, which in turn makes proper ventilation not only essential for comfort but a requirement for human health. HVAC systems (emphasis on V) play a major role in the quality of indoor air.

In the multifamily sector, addressing ventilation issues comes with its own special challenges, but the newly published residential ventilation standard from ASHRAE includes new, easier methods to address them. An Indoor Air Quality standard, ASHRAE 62.2-2010 defines requirements for ventilation systems and the building envelope to foster acceptable indoor air quality in low-rise residential buildings. A major addition to the previous ASHRAE standard is the requirement of exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

Urban infill project taps into design and close-by transportation

Designed by KTGY Group Inc. Architecture and Planning, The Crossing recently celebrated the completion of a new luxury, transit-oriented apartment community in Anaheim, CA. Developed by SARES•REGIS Group, the largest privately held developer of green apartment units in Southern California, The Crossing provides amenity-rich, pet- and eco-friendly living adjacent to the Metrolink Anaheim Canyon Station, close to employment, shopping, dining and entertainment, and with easy access to freeways.

Senior living gets luxurious

When most people think of senior assisted living, visions of fluorescent lights, handrails and large, hospital-like corridors usually come to mind. But in some communities, nothing could be further from the truth.

“These places aren’t built like a skilled nursing facility; they’re built like a posh resort,” said Lee Ratta, senior vice president of organizational advancement for the Front Porch Development company, based out of Burbank, CA.

Life-cycle costing can help builders and developers evaluate whether or not it makes financial sense to install high-performance or green products

Life-cycle costing (LCC), or a life-cycle costing analysis (LCCA), examines the cumulative costs associated with owning a product, material or technology over a defined time period and can be very useful to builders and developers for choosing the most economical building designs. This approach takes into account a range of price considerations such as initial costs and installation, as well as future expenses over the life of the product associated with utility expenses, maintenance, repairs, operation and even disposal.