Sustainability
Sustainability promotes balancing immediate and future needs by operating as an ethically, fiscally, and environmentally responsible organization. Metro West Housing Solutions is committed to the sustainable provision of high quality, attainable housing and services, employing our Principles of Sustainability to determine and prioritize sustainability-related goals and objectives. MWHS recognizes that there are short- and long-term economic, environmental, and social implications to the way we operate. By considering sustainability in everything we do as an organization, we realize a range of quantitative and qualitative benefits for the clients and communities we serve.
Metro West Housing Solutions / Principles of Sustainability
Environmental
Environmental
- Enrich client and staff quality of life and physical health
- Minimize the agency’s carbon footprint to improve local and regional environmental quality
- Limit operating costs for clients and the agency
- Employ flexible, energy-efficient design to sustain long-term usability and property value
- Generate revenue for local economics through new development and ongoing operations
- Expand and improve successful human services and programs
- Facilitate synergistic community partnerships
- Create a supportive, positive atmosphere in the workplace that promotes innovation and productivity
Holistic Approach to Real Estate Development and Management
Whether Metro West Housing Solutions is developing a new building, acquiring an existing property, or managing the day-to-day operations of an apartment community, we take the following factors into account:
Property Location – MWHS locates its properties in safe, accessible, walkable neighborhoods with proximity to services, employment, multiple modes of transportation, and community institutions like schools, parks, and libraries. If an area’s accessibility is not ideal, MWHS works with partner organizations such as the City of Lakewood, City of Denver, CDOT, and RTD to improve walkability and safety for the better of its residents and neighbors.
Efficiency - Energy- and water- efficiency are agency-wide priorities. MWHS limits utility costs and its environmental impact by carefully designing buildings and landscapes to take advantage of natural processes, employing efficient equipment and technology, and prudently managing usage.
Transportation - Transportation costs are often the most expensive household budget item, next to housing costs. To help minimize transportation costs, reduce air pollution, and promote healthy lifestyles, all MWHS properties are located within a ½-mile walk of light rail and/or bus stations. We also offer bicycle storage at our properties and promote the use of shuttle and car sharing programs.
Renewable Energy - MWHS supports all forms of renewable energy and focuses its efforts and investments in solar and wind energy. MWHS currently owns nearly 500 kW of photovoltaic solar arrays on eight buildings and one solar thermal system.
Education - MWHS engages staff and clients in its sustainability efforts. Efforts include: comprehensive recycling programs at all multi-family and commercial properties; a recurring green feature in staff and client newsletters; workshops and trainings throughout the year for staff and clients; and informational marketing materials including permanent signage, posters, flyers, videos, and evolving efforts.
Whether Metro West Housing Solutions is developing a new building, acquiring an existing property, or managing the day-to-day operations of an apartment community, we take the following factors into account:
Property Location – MWHS locates its properties in safe, accessible, walkable neighborhoods with proximity to services, employment, multiple modes of transportation, and community institutions like schools, parks, and libraries. If an area’s accessibility is not ideal, MWHS works with partner organizations such as the City of Lakewood, City of Denver, CDOT, and RTD to improve walkability and safety for the better of its residents and neighbors.
Efficiency - Energy- and water- efficiency are agency-wide priorities. MWHS limits utility costs and its environmental impact by carefully designing buildings and landscapes to take advantage of natural processes, employing efficient equipment and technology, and prudently managing usage.
Transportation - Transportation costs are often the most expensive household budget item, next to housing costs. To help minimize transportation costs, reduce air pollution, and promote healthy lifestyles, all MWHS properties are located within a ½-mile walk of light rail and/or bus stations. We also offer bicycle storage at our properties and promote the use of shuttle and car sharing programs.
Renewable Energy - MWHS supports all forms of renewable energy and focuses its efforts and investments in solar and wind energy. MWHS currently owns nearly 500 kW of photovoltaic solar arrays on eight buildings and one solar thermal system.
Education - MWHS engages staff and clients in its sustainability efforts. Efforts include: comprehensive recycling programs at all multi-family and commercial properties; a recurring green feature in staff and client newsletters; workshops and trainings throughout the year for staff and clients; and informational marketing materials including permanent signage, posters, flyers, videos, and evolving efforts.
Accountability
Organizational Accreditation
As a long-time proponent of green building, the rise in sustainable design and operations is exciting. However, accurately informing the marketplace and general public about what the genuine embodiment of "sustainability" is remains a challenge. Accountability and standardization within any industry creates uniform metrics for comparison and distinction. MWHS was one of the inaugural participants of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Green Organizational Accreditation program and has been designated a LEED Power Builder. Accreditation differentiates organizations that seek to implement sustainability best practices, build capacity of staff, track and measure building performance effectively over time, realize significant improvements in energy-efficiency, and achieve exemplary cost savings.
Organizational Accreditation
As a long-time proponent of green building, the rise in sustainable design and operations is exciting. However, accurately informing the marketplace and general public about what the genuine embodiment of "sustainability" is remains a challenge. Accountability and standardization within any industry creates uniform metrics for comparison and distinction. MWHS was one of the inaugural participants of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Green Organizational Accreditation program and has been designated a LEED Power Builder. Accreditation differentiates organizations that seek to implement sustainability best practices, build capacity of staff, track and measure building performance effectively over time, realize significant improvements in energy-efficiency, and achieve exemplary cost savings.
Green Building Certification
For the built environment, third party independent review through green building certification programs creates consistent, reasonable expectations across the development industry. Specific metrics for comparison enable MWHS to establish internal benchmarks that are used as baselines for future initiatives and to ensure proper building operations. MWHS is committed to constructing all new buildings to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction Gold standards and retrofitting existing properties to meet Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Green Communities Criteria requirements.
For the built environment, third party independent review through green building certification programs creates consistent, reasonable expectations across the development industry. Specific metrics for comparison enable MWHS to establish internal benchmarks that are used as baselines for future initiatives and to ensure proper building operations. MWHS is committed to constructing all new buildings to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction Gold standards and retrofitting existing properties to meet Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Green Communities Criteria requirements.
Learn More About LEED
For more information on Metro West's sustainability practices, contact Ryan McCaw at ryamcc@mwhsolutions.org.
