It's the latest milestone in the Natural State's efforts to go green: the state's first platinum level, LEED certified housing project. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the U.S. Green Building Council gave the designation to
a luxury loft project in downtown Little Rock.
They're upscale and modern, but only when you take a closer look at the vertical lofts downtown do you learn the most unique fact about them.
"These are probably some of the most energy efficient homes in the state," said developer Matt Bell.
The lofts go for $299,000 to $399,000 a piece, but Bell says the money you'd save in one of these places is worth the investment. How does a $140 electric bill for 2,500 square foot home sound? Bell said he lived in an older home in Little Rock that was the same size and ended up paying $450 a month.
In these lofts, you'll find energy-efficient lights, windows and appliances plus incredible insulation: walls 13 inches thick.
"We've experimented with a lot of different techniques that are unique," explains Bell.
The homes also feature closets with lights that deactivate automatically. And the deck on the roof is made of recycled soda bottles. Also outside, the gutters collect rainwater for the sprinklers.
April Ambrose with
Viridian, the LEED consulting firm that worked with Bell on the project, says believe it or not these projects can actually cost about the same as traditional construction. "People are absolutely shocked to hear that," she said.
Bell will build a total of 23 lofts but people are already moving in to the existing spots. Of the 15 in place, eight are spoken for. Ambrose said, "green is sexy so to speak. We are so excited to see green come about in that way and to become trendy."
For developers considering building green, there are plenty of financial incentives from stimulus money to existing tax breaks.
