Well, it's true! And it just opened in San Diego, CA. According to the press release:
"Los Vecinos Apartments, a $17.6 million, 42-unit complex in Southwest Chula Vista, was designed and built to achieve LEED* Platinum certification for energy savings and efficiencies. The project features an extensive solar power system that will provide nearly 100 percent of the development’s electricity.Remember - "sustainability" means environmental, social, and economic prosperity. I would say this concept for affordable housing does pretty well on all fronts!
"Other design features include the heavy use of ceiling fans and natural ventilation instead of air conditioning. Tankless hot water heaters, Energy Star appliances and high-efficacy lighting fixtures will keep energy costs to a minimum. Landscaping and irrigation techniques and low-flow fixtures will minimize water use.
"Los Vecinos consists of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units on three floors as well as a 1,500-square-foot community center, where residents will have access to programs on health and wellness, finance and computer literacy and “going green.” Families earning between $16,600 and $58,800 will reside there."
You can read more about this project at the following sites:
http://www.wakelandhdc.com/news/
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/los-vecinos-first-platinum-leed-certified-solar-powered-affordable-housing-in-san-diego.php
