The Belmont Represents the First Dallas-Area Apartment Building to
Receive LEED Silver Certification
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR), a leading multifamily real estate investment
trust (REIT), today announced that The
Belmont apartment community located at 2500 Bennett Avenue in
Dallas, Texas, recently received LEED Silver certification from the U.S.
Green Building Council. The development is the first apartment community
in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to receive such a designation. The
certification represents the most recent initiative in UDR’s ongoing
commitment to sustainability.
The community, consisting of 464 homes in 5 main buildings was designed
and engineered to use 20% less energy and 36% less water than a
conventional apartment community, creating significant operational
savings for the customer and for the community. On average, residents
should see an annual reduction of $380 - $550 to their utility bill.
“We’re very proud of The Belmont, it is a great example of UDR’s
sustainability program and commitment to green building,” said Doug
Walker, senior vice president of asset quality for UDR. “This community
represents a win-win for all parties – our residents, UDR and the
environment.”
The Belmont has helped transform a once decaying urban area into a
revitalized, sustainable apartment community. A contemporary and
sustainable design trademarks the community, while expansive street side
patios and sidewalks promote the urban lifestyle.
Key green features of the community include highly efficient windows and
insulation, compact fluorescent lighting, an onsite public transit stop,
and bicycle storage. The Belmont also boasts the first networked
electric vehicle charging station in the multifamily housing industry.
These features contribute to the 1,000 metric tons of CO2
that is saved annually by the community – equivalent to removing 200
cars from the roads for an entire year.
The sustainable features of The Belmont expand beyond the physical
development. Community tours aim to educate prospective residents about
sustainability and the community’s green features. New residents receive
a welcome gift of a reusable grocery bag filled with eco-friendly
cleaning and laundry products, a recyclable mouse pad, and a
biodegradable commuter coffee mug. In addition, both the leasing and
service teams have been formally trained to operate the green features
of the community.
Both its modern design and the sustainable features have attracted
residents to The Belmont. The development, which opened in 2009, is
currently being leased at twice the expected absorption rate
highlighting the local community’s strong demand for an environmentally
friendly apartment complex.
About UDR, Inc.
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR),, an S&P 400 company, is a leading multifamily
real estate investment trust with a demonstrated performance history of
delivering superior and dependable returns by successfully managing,
buying, selling, developing and redeveloping attractive real estate
properties in targeted U.S. markets. As of June 30, 2010, UDR owned or
had an ownership position in 51,823 apartment homes including 748 homes
under development. For over 38 years, UDR has delivered long-term value
to shareholders, the best standard of service to residents, and the
highest quality experience for associates. Additional information can be
found on the Company's website at www.udr.com.
Source: UDR, Inc.
Contact:
UDR, Inc.
H. Andrew Cantor, 720-283-6083
acantor@udr.com