National CORE has been named a 2024 LEED for Homes Power Builder by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the sixth consecutive year, putting us in an elite group of just five builders.
To qualify as a Power Builder, at least 75% of the homes or apartments developers built in 2023 must have achieved LEED certification. Every development we have built in 2023 has either achieved or is pending LEED certification.
“Sustainable design and construction have become hallmarks of National CORE’s innovative approach to developing affordable housing communities,” President Michael Ruane said. “We’ve shown that affordable housing can be beautiful and environmentally friendly while containing costs and benefitting our residents.”
This recognition comes as National CORE launches a groundbreaking, next-generation sustainability project with the California Energy Commission. Additionally, our all-electric Legacy Square development is being honored as the USGBC’s Affordable Housing Development of the Year.
As the first developer to sign the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) 2030 Commitment, National CORE prioritizes energy-efficiency and sustainability in each apartment home it builds and owns.
Since 2008, 20 National CORE developments with 1,689 apartment homes have earned LEED certifications, including seven Platinum, 12 Gold and one Silver. Another development, with 150 apartment homes, earned a Build It Green Gold certification.
Looking ahead, we have 30 more communities, encompassing over 2,500 new apartment homes, in development or under construction. Each will be all-electric, near-zero net energy, with most anticipated to achieve LEED Homes Gold certification or higher.
“National CORE is committed to design that respects the limits of our natural resources, creates developments that run efficiently and fosters healthier environments for our residents,” National CORE Director of Sustainable Design Tim Kohut said.
Our all-electric design programs incorporate photovoltaic solar panels in all construction, providing renewable energy to meet various electricity demands: heating, cooling, hot water heating, lighting, elevators, washers and dryers, and plug loads. Cool roof technologies limit heat absorption. Efficiently designed energy envelopes reduce power needs. Plumbing systems minimize water stagnation, and drought-tolerant native plants and rainwater retention systems cut irrigation demands.
With an $8 million California Energy Commission grant, we are exploring next-generation sustainability concepts. Innovations include solar panels on building facades to generate greater energy levels, microgrids that allow buildings to operate on solar power during the evening and power outages, new resident engagement methods and novel building materials.
In 2023, Legacy Square earned LEED for Homes Platinum Certification through a mix of efficient design and a strong focus on boosting eco-friendly transportation. The development also has been honored as the Orange County Development of the Year and received an Award of Merit in the Pacific Coast Builders Conference Gold Nugget Awards program. The USGBC has also selected Legacy Square as one of three 2024 Outstanding Affordable Housing Projects.
Valley Senior Village in Escondido, which opened in late 2023, earned a LEED for Homes Gold Certification.