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LMHA Vies for Silver
Lucas Metropolitan Housing
Authority is on track to earn it first LEED certification
Special to The Truth
Phase II of Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority’s (LMHA)
Collingwood Green project will be a multi-phased urban
redevelopment adjacent to downtown Toledo that features 68
mixed income family townhomes on the site of the former
Brand Whitlock/Albertus Brown housing project, funded in
part by Low Income Housing Tax Credits.
  US
Green Building Council administers LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes, a point-based
guide for building sustainable homes. Some of the points
will seem obvious, like Energy Star rated appliances, LED
light bulbs and low-flow toilets, while other points are
equally important for the creation of a healthy and
comfortable community to call home.
LEED Certification for LMHA’s Collingwood Green II
development is just the beginning of their greater portfolio
strategy envisioned to see a better
life for everyone.
Points:
 Innovation
and Design Process:
LMHA earned points for having a LEED-certified professional
lead an integrated project team of engineers, architects and
the Toledo community in the design process including a
design Charrette. In addition, points were earned for
durability management by planning for, implementing and
verifying the Energy Star indoor moisture controls measures
on this project. Finally, points were earned because of the
location of this site being within an existing community
that is near the downtown area.
Locations and Linkages:
Due to this project located on an infill site, points were
earned for building in an urban area on a site that had been
previously developed, thus protecting sensitive land that
had otherwise yet to be developed, minimizing urban
sprawl. As this site had been previously developed,
Collingwood Green II was able to earn points due to
utilization of the existing infrastructure and extensive
community resources including nearby parks and public
transit.
Sustainable Sites:
Along with erosion control, further measures were taken to
try and avoid disturbance of the site during
construction. While the site itself will have a lower
density than the original development, careful planning has
placed buildings in close contact with each other allowing
for preservation of open space which is beautifully
landscaped with draught tolerant noninvasive plants.
Water Efficiency:
These two and three-bedroom townhomes are equipped with very
high efficiency toilets, shower heads and faucets to help
reduce the amount of water used by this new development,
lowering costs and limiting demand.
Energy and Atmosphere:
Along with complying with the requirements of Energy Star,
additional points were earned for exceptional energy
performance using high efficiency furnaces, air
conditioners, appliances and superior building insulation.
Materials and Resources:
The materials used on this build are certified as
environmentally preferable, minimizing material consumption
through recycled and recyclable content, reclamation or
overall reduced life cycle impacts.
Indoor Environmental Quality:
Collingwood Green II was awarded points for ventilation
measures in the bathroom, kitchen and of the furnace
installing advance combustion ventilation and air filters.
Awareness and Education:
Finally, points are being sought for education of the tenant
and building maintenance staff on the special “green”
features that have been made available for their benefit as
part of this new development.
Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority is excited to share
this sustainable rebirth within the heart of our great city
and looks forward to building more sustainable “green” homes
in the future.
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