Written by: Cybil Tribie

Project Overview 

Nestled near the heart of Capitol Hill is one of the first certified 2021 Built Green Multifamily Checklist projects constructed under the WSEC 2018 commercial energy code. This new 167-unit building is more than just an apartment, it’s a sanctuary positioned near the excitement of Olive Way and Broadway with all the benefits that a transit-oriented development provides.

The Derby Apartments’ dedication to building green surpassed the thresholds required for 4-Star due to their effortless design, consideration of equity and social justice credits, and commitment to energy efficiency, indoor air-quality, and material selection. 

Some of the Built Green credits that aided them in achieving their high score were the use of low-toxic, low-VOC products paired with the energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) that provide filtered clean air into units. With the avoidance of carpet within the units and the use of products that have little to no off gassing, there should be nothing to trap allergens within the tenants’ private spaces. With the assistance of a building envelope consultant, the general contractors took great care in their moisture management from the foundation through the roof to ensure the building will remain dry and mold free for years to come.

To complement their indoor air-quality efforts, the ERVs also provided them with a benefit in the energy section. However, it’s the use of their centralized heat pump water heaters that provided the remainder of the points to obtain the requirement minimum. But going above the minimum, the project also installed Energy Star ceiling fans to provide some cooling and high efficacy lighting to reduce energy consumption. 

Other than the building’s interior green features mentioned above, the Derby included landscaping beyond the code required to ensure that (when fully grown) the project will also feel like an oasis amidst the surrounding buildings with little landscaping.

Below is a list of some of the additional credits they were able to claim within the checklist: 

Site and Water

• Exceeding City of Seattle landscaping requirements with no grass utilized
• Onsite stormwater management
• Heat island effect minimized using light-colored pavements and roof material
• Low-flow plumbing including faucets, showerheads, and toilets utilized throughout

Energy Efficiency

• Energy Star ceiling fans and energy recovery ventilators (ERV) installed in every unit
• High efficacy lighting with motion sensors dimmers in common spaces
• Energy Star appliances installed throughout the building
• All electric building utilizing centralized heat pump water heaters

Health and Indoor Air Quality

• ERVs installed in all units to provide filtered ventilation
• Building designated as non-smoking
• Low-VOC, low-toxic products utilized in building
• Heavy emphasis placed moisture management throughout construction

Equity and Social Justice

• Universal design to ensure building accessibility to all occupants emphasized
• Transit-oriented development with an abundance of long-term bike parking provided
• Rooftop community space accessible to all tenants
• Subcontracted with Built Green members, WMBE, and MBE companies

Photo credit: Benjamin Benschneider photography