Results from developer Conifer Realty's energy-saving innovations are being monitored by state and federal loan agencies, which helped fund the project and could give priority to similar ventures in the future.
Conifer predicts that residents will save 15 to 35 percent on their utility bills, compared to tenants of similar-sized apartments elsewhere. The first occupants moved in last month: Exact savings will be clear after a few months' bills come in.
Those savings will come from Conifer's energy-conscious building techniques: insulation, high-quality windows, solar panels and EnergyStar appliances, said Michael J. Brown, program marketing director for New Jersey's Clean Energy Program.
In addition, the builder used environmentally friendly products such as low-pollutant paint and recyclable and durable flooring. The sidewalk is designed to filter water instead of creating polluting runoff.
"Linden Lake combines redevelopment, brownfields reclamation, affordable housing and energy efficiency, but most important, 80 senior citizens call it home," said Charles M. Lewis, vice president of Conifer Realty.
The firm, which has local offices in Mount Laurel, has developed affordable housing communities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Ohio.
Thanks to the summer sun, the 48-kilowatt solar system at Linden Lake has met the three-story building's hot-water needs without help from the natural gas-powered backup. It also provides electricity to cool and light the common room, lobby and hallways. The system produces enough energy in one week to power an average-sized house for a month.
Even the toilets are environmentally friendly, conserving water by offering two flush options.
