UCI’s Plaza Verde project marks key milestone in targeting
Zero-Net Energy and LEED® Platinum certification
American Campus Communities (NYSE: ACC) joined the University of
California, Irvine (UCI) yesterday to officially mark the opening
of Plaza Verde, a fresh and modern student community that offers an
eco-friendly, living and learning environment conducive to
achieving academic, professional, and personal success.
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Plaza Verde student community, UC Irvine
(Photo: Business Wire)
The new 1,441-bed, 5-story residential tower located at 15000
Arroyo Drive is a key milestone in large-scale, affordable green
living as the all-electric community is designed to target UCI’s
very first Zero-Net Energy (ZNE) operation as well as LEED Platinum
certification. The building’s opening comes on the heels of UCI
being ranked No. 1 in the nation by Sierra Magazine in its annual
“Cool Schools” ranking of sustainability leaders among colleges and
universities.
“Since 2004, UCI and American Campus Communities have partnered
to create a supportive and sustainable living-meets-learning
environment for UCI students,” said Dr. Enrique Lavernia, UCI
provost and executive vice chancellor. “Our work at UCI has set a
model for public-private partnerships as other universities have
seen what we have done to transform UCI from a commuter campus to a
campus where students can enjoy the benefits of the residential
university experience.”
The U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED™ for Homes Design &
Construction Multifamily Rating System was the initial framework
for the project along with the University of California’s Carbon
Neutrality policy to seek a ZNE operation. A planned 1.4-Megawatt
photovoltaic array on two adjacent parking structures, when
constructed, will allow the UCI Phase 4 Building A project to
achieve net zero energy and be eligible for LEED Platinum
certification.
“In addition to being a healthy and dynamic student community,
Plaza Verde is the greenest large-scale student community that has
been developed,” said Bill Bayless, American Campus Communities
CEO. “We have gone to extensive lengths to ensure sustainability
and student-focused design are at the forefront, from initially
designing and testing systems for an efficient and comfortable
community, then arranging a sizable offset for energy that will
actually be achieved.”
With floor plans designed with students in mind, Plaza Verde’s
units start at just $789 per person. Students moving in this fall
are enjoying fully furnished apartments, state-of-the-art fitness
centers, multi-purpose rooms and outdoor pavilions. The Academic
Success Center, group and private study lounges help students
prepare for success.
ACC's partnership with UCI began in 2004 with the delivery of
its first student housing development on campus. Since then, ACC
has developed and manages more than 6,000 beds in five communities.
This is the seventh project within the University of California
system for ACC.
“We are very proud of our ongoing partnership with American
Campus Communities to create this award-winning sustainable and
healthy living environment offered at affordable prices,” said
Willie Banks, vice chancellor for student affairs at UCI. “This
first-of-its-kind project at UCI is the start of our plans for
continuous sustainable innovations moving forward.”
Plaza Verde includes an all-electric system that eliminates the
need for natural gas and uses new proven technology, such as heat
pump water heaters and an electric outdoor grill system, among
other efficient appliances. In addition to offsetting the annual
energy usage of Building A with onsite renewable energy, it
provides a host of alternative transportation options including
bike storage to accommodate more than 760 bikes. The location
provides access to several public transit lines and close walking
proximity to community services and basic human needs. Native,
drought tolerant landscaping combined with recycled water helps to
reduce the demand on potable water by 100 percent. Water conserving
plumbing fixtures installed in the building also contribute to
significant water reduction in potable water usage.
Adding to the eco-friendly elements, are building materials that
limit the negative impact associated with raw material extraction
and transportation. For example, all of the wood at Building A is
either non-tropical, reclaimed, or sustainably harvested in
accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
“It’s amazing that this community was built for students, like
me, who are passionate about sustainability but also in need of
affordability,” said Randy Yan, a third-year biological sciences
major and president of the Associated Students of the University of
California, Irvine (ASUCI). “From the inviting entrance with the
grand staircase to the quality amenities like the academic success
center, Plaza Verde provides a beautiful, comfortable sustainable
living space while providing the necessary academic resources. It’s
a win-win.”
The following design strategies were implemented to optimize
human health: superior ventilation performance, carbon monoxide
monitoring, a no-smoking policy, walk-off mats at all entrances
from the outdoors and shoe storage inside the building units.
Overall, the project totals 568,930 square feet with a dedicated
523-space structured parking garage, and 15,000 square feet for a
community center. Amenities include a multipurpose room, kitchen,
cafe/lounge, bike room, fitness/yoga studio, offices and 18 study
rooms.
As the nation’s largest developer of student resident
communities, ACC is deeply committed to sustainability and
environmental stewardship. Plaza Verde was financed by a non-profit
foundation using project-based, tax-exempt bonds. ACC will provide
the full scope of management services for the community, including
operations, maintenance and residence life.
About American Campus Communities
American Campus Communities, Inc. is the largest owner, manager
and developer of high-quality student housing communities in the
United States. The company is a fully integrated, self-managed and
self-administered equity real estate investment trust (REIT) with
expertise in the design, finance, development, construction
management and operational management of student housing
properties. As of June 30, 2019 American Campus Communities owned
169 student housing properties containing approximately 108,800
beds. Including its owned and third-party managed properties, ACC's
total managed portfolio consisted of 203 properties with
approximately 133,100 beds. Visit www.americancampus.com.
About University of California Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious
Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three
Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier
research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard
Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 222-degree
programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most
economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s
second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the
local economy. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.
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