Green Stuff - Condos to Commodes

So, since it has been the big buzz for quite some time to "go green," I thought I'd start a series of topics related to green living. Green living means different things to different people. I will report on some energy saving tips, green construction techniques etc in hopes that people find it interesting. While I have probably never been called a "bark biter," I am always looking for ways to improve my quality of life and to save a buck or two along the way. There is a "green marketing group" within a blogging community where I read up on a lot of these things. If I find any good tips, I'll pass them along here and on NickBastian.com
Green living can be as simple as installing low water use toilets to complete construction plans. This week, the paper had an article about a new community called Aura. I was recently invited to preview the new AURA at Camelback project in Phoenix. (Aura calls itself "Sustainable Luxury Living") Basically, the developer ran some video renditions of the new development and had drawings/ plans etc. available for us to check out. It was one of those things where pretty people pass out fancy little finger foods and offer you wine so we will fall in love with the community.. Some one has to do it.. The concept was very interesting and this upscale condo project that will be in the beautiful "Camelback Corridor," has a lot of features that will give it the "green effect" they want. According to their web site, " One exciting, environmentally conscious outcome of Aura at Camelback will be to leverage solar technology in ways that the Valley has never before experienced. Aura at Camelback is on track to be the benchmark and set the stage for solar residential power projects in Arizona. Aura at Camelback is so unique because every single home in the Community will have immense solar capacity, saving up to 75 percent on electricity costs. Residents will have all the power they need and it will be power from the sun." The solar aspect was interesting to me as I was able to meet and talk to people from Agenera. These are the guys that provide the Solar power for the units. They had a true passion for the project and brought along a "sample panel" that looks nothing like the old style panels from back in the 80's. Aura's brochure mentions "saving up to 75 percent on electricity costs." Other features of the project were dual flush toilets, low-flow shower heads, loe-E windows, underground parking, private elevators and the use of a lot of "open space" within the community. Pave stones will be used around the exterior of the development instead of concrete or asphalt to keep from adding to the heat-island effect. These 36 townhouses should break ground soon with first occupants moving in around mid-2009. Current pricing was quoted in one brochure as being from the $800's to $1.2 million. The units range in size from 2469 - 3147 square feet. - wanna take a look? I have some brochures etc.. So, "Just Call Nick" and I'll give you some more of the scoop. :-)