Green Building/LEED

BUILDING FOR TOMORROW’S PORTLAND

With an eye to the future, Ruben J. Menashe, Inc. strives to incorporate the latest in resource-conserving building practices, while maintaining the old-school quality construction we have become known for. Currently, The Albert and The Mason Williams are certified at the LEED Gold level.

LEED CERTIFICATION OVERVIEW

LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in green building. Construction projects earn points by adhering to prerequisites and credits across nine measurements for building excellence from integrative process to indoor environmental quality. Prerequisites are required green-building strategies that must be included in any LEED certified project. Credits are optional elements or strategies that projects pursue to gain points toward LEED certification.

LEED credits are awarded by third-party technical reviewers in areas such as site sustainability, water efficiency, energy efficiency, green building materials and indoor environmental quality. Design innovation, light pollution reduction, transportation impact, and the use of regional resources, recycled materials and low-emission products are also factors. Based on the number of credits achieved, a project earns one of four LEED rating levels: LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold or LEED Platinum.

THE ALBERT AND THE MASON WILLIAMS

Site sustainability

  • On-site storm water management system using infiltration swales and dry wells to handle 100% of its storm water.
  • Dedicated on-site car share parking, on-site electric vehicle-charging stations, automated parking systems and bicycle storage.

Water Efficiency

  • Low-flow/ultra low-flow plumbing fixtures and high efficiency irrigation systems.

Energy Efficiency

  • Rooftop-mounted solar hot water panels for pre-heated and recirculating hot water, projected to generate 50% of the building’s annual residential energy needs for hot water. Rooftop solar PV arrays generate approximately 20% of building’s common area energy through its photovoltaic system.
  • Occupancy sensors in some public areas help minimize lighting energy use.
  • High-performance Pella Fiberglass frame windows minimize heat loss in the winter and reduce radiant heat gain in the summer.
  • A light colored and highly reflective roof surface mitigates urban heat island effect and provides a cooling benefit.
  • Energy Star® appliances are installed throughout as well as programmable thermostats for all regularly occupied spaces.

Indoor Environmental Quality

  • Rain screen systems that help create a better indoor living environment.
  • Design considerations such as efficient exterior lighting also minimizes negative effect of light pollution.
  • Strict no-smoking policies throughout and, to further reduce airborne allergens, we do not allow pets.
  • During construction, crews followed specific guidelines to contain dust and prevent contamination of installed systems and screen system to reduce moisture related issues.

Resource Efficiency

  • Throughout construction, aggressive waste management plans were followed.
  • Specified materials with high-recycled content were used as well as FSC-certified wood, ensuring a sustainable wood source from well-managed forests.
  • Convenient recycling and sorting facilities for residents.