Gunbarrel Apex apartment receives LEED certification

Apex 5510 apartment complex in Gunbarrel was the first apartment community in Boulder to receive LEED certification, which is a rating system from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for improved human health and environmental performance.

Last month the 231-unit apartment received its LEED silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, showing the community’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. Apex prides itself on having easy access to many bike trails and transportation systems.

“We’re proud of our commitment to Gunbarrel and to Boulder, and that pride is reflected in the type of lifestyle and living space we’re delivering to the people who want to live and work here,” Brad Blash, co-founder and managing partner of Crossbeam Concierge, said in a recent press release. “ We’re doing all we can to differentiate ourselves, in ways that matter most to our residents.”

Boulder County as a whole prides itself on being environmentally friendly and works on ways to improve sustainability within its communities. The LEED rating system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, and is the number one program for all types of developments that are designed, constructed and operated for enhanced environmental and human health performance.

To achieve LEED certification, a building must undergo a rigorous process, which includes assimilating green strategies to obtain healthy and efficient environments. Some green strategies include factors such as water savings, sustainable site development, indoor environmental quality, selection of materials and energy efficiency.

Apex 5510 met a long list of requirements, including:

• Low flow fixtures, reducing occupant water use and energy bills

• 30 percent energy reduction over baseline (IECC 2006) to reduce energy bills

• Sealed combustion equipment and mechanical ventilation to improve indoor air quality

• Eco-sensitive landscaping including a limited amount of turf, drought-tolerant plants and zoned irrigation for water conservation

• HERS rating of at least 70 for each dwelling unit

CEO and founding chair of the USGBC, Rick Fedrizzi, stated that the green housing market is becoming more popular. “LEED-certified homes are healthier places to live, produce lower utility bills, have better air quality and leave a smaller environmental footprint behind,” he said in a recent press release.

Apex’s silver level certification verifies that the community implemented a significant number of green strategies to reduce energy use and improve the quality of life and health for its occupants. Blash said Apex 5510 is providing people who want to live close to Boulder and be environmentally conscious a place to live.

“We’ve seen a great deal of interest from people who want to live close to their jobs in Gunbarrel, as well as those who want a more affordable Boulder address,” Blash stated. “Apex 5510 is providing people with a quality apartment community, complete with numerous amenities and services that are intended to ease their busy lifestyles, and provide great sources of relaxation and fun.”

The apartment community is planning for a future running and biking trail through the complex that will connect with the Boulder and Longmont trail systems. It also has a community garden and Eco-sensitive landscaping, as well as easy access to the Boulder Reservoir and hiking and biking trails.

Apex 5510 is located at 5510 Spine Road, Boulder, CO 80301.