Green Living in Denver: Eco-Friendly Real Estate Options and Sustainability Initiatives | Guest Post
Denver is one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States. Stunning mountain views, diverse flora and fauna and unique access to the beauty of the four seasons make the Mile High City truly one-of-a-kind. However, without proper measures to protect this Rocky Mountain sanctuary, the appeal can quickly lose its luster. The good news is that Denver is ahead of the curb in this regard. Keep reading as we explore the diverse eco-friendly real estate options and sustainability initiatives Denver is using.
Green Building Certifications
Greenwashing and virtue signaling are rampant in the contemporary real estate scene. Businesses will make any number of specious claims to capitalize on society’s desire for environmental mindfulness.
The good news for Denver residents is that as one of the nation’s most environmentally-conscious areas, the City of Denver has achieved multiple awards and certifications to validate their commitment to sustainability. With some 116.2 million square feet of LEED-certified space, it is safe to say that Denver is doing its part to prioritize healthy, energy-efficient space for residents.
Sustainable Architecture
Denver architects are pushing the boundaries of environmentally friendly design. They are leveraging the latest techniques for creating long-lasting, energy-efficient structures.
Steel is a popular material in this regard. Once relegated to warehouses and other types of commercial structures, modern steel buildings are used in the construction of duplexes, residential housing developments, and apartment complexes. Steel is one of the world’s most durable building materials. It offers extreme resistance to fire, pests, wind, hail and any of the other forces of nature common to the Denver climate.
In addition, many steel structures are available in prefabricated building kits. This shortens construction times and allows for greater precision, greatly reducing energy consumed during the building process.
For steel buildings, spray foam insulation is commonly used for increasing R-value. It adheres wonderfully to steel walls and provides comprehensive coverage in even the most remote corners and joints.
For traditional wood-framed buildings, architects are looking for creative ways to add sustainable insulation to their structures. Insulation is no longer reserved strictly for the walls. Roof cover boards can help prevent air transfer through the ceiling. Below-grade insulation provides similar benefits to the floors. Innovative radiant floor heating systems are controlled with a smartphone app and evenly diffuse heat through the floors. This limits reliance on HVAC and forced air systems for improved energy efficiency.
Urban Vegetation
Vegetation is critical for reducing urban heat islands and establishing air quality in city environments. Denver makes a concerted effort to maximize vegetation within the city, with some 20,000 acres of city and mountain parkland for residents to enjoy.
More ambitious development plans are increasingly leveraging green roofing solutions. Rooftop gardens and green roofs provide numerous benefits to Denver residents. They offer a change of scenery and the opportunity to step outside and enjoy stunning mountain vistas in properties where attached lawn space is at a premium. They also provide numerous energy efficiency advantages. They provide thermal insulation for the building. They can also reduce ambient temperatures.
The EPA estimates that green roofs can lower roof temperatures between 30-40 degrees and the surrounding temperatures by as much as 5 degrees. Rooftop gardens also improve air quality for building occupants and help mitigate stormwater runoff.
Transit Oriented Development
Suburban sprawl is historically one of the greatest threats to the environment. Miles of blacktop and hours of daily commutes raise ambient temperatures and result in heavy carbon emissions. Denver is aiming to combat this via transit oriented development. The TOD Strategic Plan aims to implement transit communities and light rail access to all Denver residents. By providing fair housing and diverse transportation choices, the initiative will do wonders for efficiently connecting citizens to resources while limiting fossil fuel emissions.
Denver Water Efficiency Plan
Denver and the entire Rocky Mountain front range face some water conservation challenges. People are flocking to the region like crazy, with the increasing population putting pressure on the water supply. In addition, the warming climate, periodic drought and the changing regulatory and political environment require the city to be proactive in ensuring sufficient water access for all citizens.
Over a ten-year period, the Denver Water Efficiency Plan has aimed to reduce per capita water consumption by 22 percent. Modern architecture has aided in these efforts in multiple ways. As mentioned, rooftop gardens help control stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of contaminating the city’s freshwater supply. Strategically placed outdoor drainage grates assist in water harvesting for more efficient use of precipitation. Low-flow fixtures add efficiency to home plumbing systems. Increased utilization of xeriscaping, artificial turf, and other forms of low-water landscaping are reducing wasteful consumption of water during lawn maintenance.
Building for the Future: Green Real Estate in Denver
Full of natural beauty, Denver requires special care to protect the stunning environment. Fortunately, the city boasts numerous eco-friendly real estate options and sustainability initiatives to help protect resources. For more of the latest trends shaping Denver real estate, explore the resources at Denver Metro Association of Realtors for the leading market insights!
Rachel Tolander is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and experience in residential remodeling, construction, and safety. She lives in a small town North of Austin, Texas where she spends her free time cheering on her son at his ball games and spending time with her family. Rachel’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
