NASHVILLE, TN - Green Leaf Partners of San Ramon, Calif., is the first to install a solar electric system in a Tennessee apartment community, according to LightWave Solar Electric, a Tennessee-based photovoltaic design and installation firm. The solar electric system installation at the Green Leaf at Heritage, formerly White Oaks apartments, is just part of a green renovation. Pinnacle, An American Management Services Company, of Seattle, is managing the environmentally friendly efforts. The resulting property will be more sustainable, consuming less water and energy. Pinnacle will also manage on-going energy conservation efforts, including resident education and recycling programs.
"Greenleaf at Hermitage is the first apartment community in the state of Tennessee that has installed a solar electric system," said Steve Johnson, owner of LightWave Solar Electric. "The community has taken a leadership role with respect to providing solar energy. The positive effects of solar energy are environmentally equivalent to planting 70 acres of trees."
"It's our goal to provide returns to the residents of affordable housing through leveraging the benefits of alternative energy at lower costs," says Michael O'Neil, principal of Green Leaf Partners. Green Leaf Partners acquired the 261-unit garden-style apartment community in June.
The clubhouse has been remodeled and exteriors painted. A new business center includes an Internet cafe and a lounge. The landscape improvements include the addition of flowers, shrubs, and mulch. Units undergoing renovation will become more energy efficient with low-flow plumbing fixtures, EnergyStar(TM) appliances, and re-caulked doors and windows. The units will also boast refinished kitchens with stainless steel appliances, accent walls, and new cabinet fronts.
Green Leaf's "Go Green" program includes providing solar-heated hot water and solar electricity to a laundry rooms and the management office. A solar pool heating system will allow residents to use the pool for an extended season at little to no operational cost, and a solar pool cover will retain additional solar heat. All construction materials used during this renovation will be recycled and/or re-used.
Source: PR Newswire