Each detail of the Stafford Park redevelopment has been designed with energy conservation in mind, according to Jon Jensen, technical consultant for MaGrann Associates. The Moorestown-based energy consulting and design firm worked with the Walters Group on the LEED criteria, inspecting the Stafford project at various stages of construction, then performing the final inspections required for certification.
"Durable, healthy and efficient are the underpinnings of LEED construction," explains Jensen. The Stafford Park development was green from the start, with MaGrann providing energy modeling of the plans and developing a list of criteria to achieve Energy Star and LEED for Homes certifications. "It's one of our highest performing projects," Jensen adds.
Stafford Park Apartments consists of five multi-story buildings, featuring 112 one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts with rents ranging from $468 to $1,207 per month. The apartment community is part of the large-scale Stafford Park redevelopment, located in Southern Ocean County.
Walters estimates that its natural gas costs are reduced by about 35% and electric usage by nearly 40% compared to regular building designs. "Green construction is about doing a good, or better, job at what you would expect builders to be doing anyway," explains Jensen. "We work with builders to refine and improve these processes and help them take credit for producing high-quality, efficient and durable buildings that are healthy to live in."
Framing, durability and HVAC efficiency are the three critical components MaGrann focuses on in the early design stage of any project, according to Jensen. In fact, durability is one of the biggest challenges for developers and a prerequisite for LEED certification. "Nationally in 2005, about 15% of the new homes that were delivered were found to have significant defects. Going forward, durability will have the biggest impact on value," he adds.
The Walters Group followed the LEED certification guidelines during the construction of every structure within the large-scale redevelopment. Plans for the 370-acre mixed-use project integrate housing, affordable non-age restrictive housing units, office space with a number of municipal facilities and a large-scale retail complex. Stafford Park Apartments is adjacent to the retail complex, which includes tenants such as Target, Costco, Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods and PetSmart. The retail component is registered with a certification goal of LEED Silver.
Solar and wind energy are also part of the developer's overall renewable energy effort at Stafford Park. Solar panels have been installed on many of the rooftops to supply solar electricity to the common areas, according to the developer. Currently, the development has three separate solar systems equaling over one mega-watt. "This is a good long-term strategy for maintaining the affordability of the apartments," explains Jensen. The potential for wind turbine energy is also evaluated with a temporary 60-meter wind power test tower. Eventually, the firm hopes to initiate a wind power project at Stafford Park.
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