Sustainability. It’s a word often heard these
days but what does it really mean? At Arbor Heights, it means the following:
No Carbon Emissions. Approximately 46% of carbon emissions in America
are generated by buildings. At Arbor Heights, no fossil fuels are used
in the homes – whether to heat or cool the homes or power any appliances
or systems. High efficiency electric heat pumps provide maximum comfort
at a low energy cost while avoiding any carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Tight Thermal Envelope. The homes at Arbor Heights are extremely well insulated and are tightly sealed from air infiltration or energy leakage. This reduces energy consumption and lowers energy bills. In fact, the R-19 insulation in the exterior walls is nearly 50% thicker than the building code’s R-13 requirement.
Limited Solar Gain. Lighter shake colors on the mansard and gambrel roofs of the buildings lessen the heat burden. Windows with Low-E glass further deflect solar gain. This reduces the energy burden and lowers your energy bills.
Energy Efficient Systems. Energy-Star appliances and 13 SEER high efficiency heat pump systems are used in all homes at Arbor Heights, while Energy Star lighting is used throughout the site. Again, this reduces energy used, lowering costs.
Redeveloping Existing Neighborhoods does more than promote our vital urban core. It also saves precious woodlands, agricultural lands and open spaces farther out from suburban sprawl. And being within walking distance of public transportation, jobs and shopping means less gas burned into our atmosphere.
Careful Storm Water Management means storm water is cleansed and controlled by filtering it first through landscaped areas before it enters the storm sewers. Normally, most pollutants wash off during just the first inch of rain that falls.
Smart Growth is a term that refers to the best in sustainable development. Arbor Heights has been recognized by the Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance, a non profit collaborative of over 200 government, private sector and non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting environmentally sensitive development in the tri-state region.
