DePaul’s Boxcar Apartments by SWBR earns LEED Certification

Albion, NY DePaul’s Boxcar Apartments, a new affordable and supportive housing development, has received LEED for Homes Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system is the benchmark metric for sustainable design, providing third-party certification for buildings designed to save energy, resources and provide improved environments for residents.

Named for its location next to the railroad on Liberty St., Boxcar Apartments consists of 40 units of integrated housing for income-eligible tenants. Twenty of the apartments offer on-site housing specialist support services that promote stability, health and independent living. The project was designed to support people with disabilities, including senior citizens and veterans.

SWBR’s sustainable design elements include low- and no-VOC paints, and water and energy conserving fixtures. Enhanced thermal insulation and air sealing techniques provide a high-performance building envelope that reduces energy loss. In addition to LEED, the project also adhered to the NYSERDA Low-Rise Program and the Energy Star for Homes Program.