Sustainable Design Goals
Franklin Place has been designed with sustainable design goals. Energy and water conservation, high air quality and responsible land use have all been incorporated into the construction of this exceptional building. It is an Energy Star project. In fact, it goes farther than Energy Star requirements by incorporating many construction materials and methods that address additional sustainability concerns.

Energy Star – Electricity and Gas
The project has been modeled and approved in its construction from the standpoint of thermal transfer - its wall assembly, roof and windows (low E-rated) have been tested to exceed the insulation value required. This means the heating and cooling costs for each home will be significantly reduced. To further the efficiency of the heating and cooling, each home has its own, individually controlled, in-unit, highly efficient (84% efficiency rated) furnace and air-conditioner.

Additional Energy Star Elements
The refrigerators and dishwashers are also Energy Star. All lighting is Energy Star approved, except the dimmer switched dining room. Common area lighting is also energy efficient, helping to reduce common area operational costs. The air quality is assured to have fresh air exchange at a measured and recommended Energy Star level because of a microchip controlled exhaust fan.

Beyond the Above Energy Star Features
Roof decks are designed to anticipate the landscape loads of plants and decking. The shading of such terrace landscaping will further reduce the building’s summer heat load. The option of highly efficient, wood-pellet burning fireplaces gives buyers the chance to enjoy watching a live flame while providing virtually all the heat that may be needed for their home.

Air Quality
Carpets and paint have been selected to be non off-gassing of VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) - a common concern for new construction. Ceramic or marble are used where many buildings might have vinyl materials.

Water
Codes now require efficient toilets, showers and sink fixtures for new construction. They are obviously all included in Franklin Place. Planting will be selected to be drought tolerant so that the water use of an irrigation system will not be required. Roof planting will reduce water run-off. In addition, the use of a storm water holding tank for site water allows the optimum dispersal of site water, without taxing the city’s system in storms.