Columbia Heights Village Apartments

Overview

Columbia Heights Village faced rising utility costs and aging infrastructure across its 31-building campus. Our team developed a cost-effective solution that delivered immediate utility savings while also engaging residents in sustainability initiatives. Beyond traditional retrofits, the project introduced new community features to enhance quality of life, including a green roof, rooftop playground, and high-efficiency elevator with rooftop access.

Solutions

The program included:

• Lighting retrofits in common and exterior areas.
• Low-flow water fixture upgrades in each residential unit (toilets, showerheads, aerators).
• 25 MWh rooftop solar PV system with resident tours and educational sessions.
• Utility rate analysis/tariff change to further reduce costs.
• Community engagement initiatives, including open houses and “Energy Awareness Day.”
• Facility enhancements: green roof, rooftop playground, and new high-speed elevator

Results

The project saves $228K annually, reducing consumption by 1,017 MMBtu, ~100,000 kWh electricity, and 24M gallons of water each year. In the first year alone, water usage was cut by 60% compared to the prior year. Rooftop solar provides clean power and offsets community demand, while resident engagement built awareness of conservation practices.