Sustainability Report

While the primary sustainability focus was operational energy reduction, the project adopted a low-impact materials strategy suited for large-scale affordable housing:

• Conventional, locally available materials—including masonry veneer, EIFS, aluminum rainscreens, and punched windows—were chosen for low embodied carbon and ease of replacement.

• Material selection prioritized high recycled content and durability, thereby minimizing lifecycle emissions associated with repair and replacement.

• Thermal breaks (AAC blocks, structural shims) and mineral wool wraps around envelope penetrations reduced heat transfer while maintaining recyclability and minimizing embodied carbon from specialized systems.

• Modular facade detailing minimized construction waste and allowed for selective disassembly of envelope components during future renovation cycles.

Performance: Post-occupancy monitoring confirms 55% lower total energy use than comparable NYC multifamily buildings built in the previous decade.Operational emissions reduction was the central design objective, achieved through full Passive House certification and multiple efficiency layers:

• Highly insulated envelope: R-10 foundation, R-19 to R-32 walls, R-40 roof.

• Triple-glazed, thermally broken window assemblies with OITC 31–35, exceeding code by over 50%.

• Continuous air barrier achieving airtightness 50% better than Passive House requirements.

• High-efficiency VRF system for heating and cooling.

• Continuous balanced ventilation via centralized ERVs (85% efficiency, MERV 13 filters).

• Photovoltaic array (574 panels, 208.8 kW total) providing onsite renewable generation.

• Smart building management system (BMS) optimizing performance according to occupancy and exterior conditions.

Sendero Verde’s systems and materials were selected to minimize long-term service emissions and maintenance interventions:

• Durable facade materials (masonry, metal panels, EIFS) require limited upkeep and allow panelized replacement without full assembly removal.

• Centralized mechanical systems with accessible rooftop and intermediate mechanical floors reduce maintenance travel and downtime.

• MERV 13 filtration and balanced ventilation prolong equipment lifespan while maintaining air quality.

• Passive House envelope integrity significantly reduces HVAC operating hours and replacement cycles.