We were on the cusp of Gold level until our review came back with several points deducted from our energy model. Our Green Rater suggested that we look into the Pilot Credit program and felt confident that we may qualify for several additional points. Within the Pilot Credit Library, we found that several aspects of our project had naturally conformed to the LEED mission of sustainability, accessibility and energy conservation. In particular; that our project funding included an FHA loan, accessibility throughout the building was mandated. But our project Team has broad experience in developing senior housing and we realize that accessibility is a desirable attribute. Our developer encouraged the design of public spaces and individual units to be as accessible and adaptable as practically possible, knowing this would be valuable for tenant livability.

I find this point very useful in the design of new as well as renovated apartment units. Our project not only met, but exceeded the number of wheelchair accessible units, and we also exceeded the number of wheelchair adaptable and visual/hearing adaptable units recommended by FHA/PHFA guidelines. The idea is to ensure accessibility for a variety of impairments and to also provide adaptability so that a residential unit has the flexibility to meet the needs of those same impairments as situations change and the needs arise.