Multi-Unit Residential Buildings | Sustainable Design Consulting

Green building for multi-unit residential projects requires intense coordination among designers, builders, developers, as well as property managers and residents, to ensure healthy and efficient operations. These include condominiums, rental apartments, and senior living developments. SDC has provided LEED process management for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of thousands of market-rate and affordable dwelling units, as well as services for multi-unit residential projects using other standards, including Green Communities, EarthCraft, Green Globes, and the International Green Construction Code (IgCC).

The Claude at Chevy Chase Lake, Chevy Chase, MD: Part of a larger master site development, The Claude is a twelve-story mixed-use apartments and retail building. Designed by David M. Schwarz Architectural Services and Martin Architectural Group, it connects to the Purple Line metro station and supports biking and EV use. Efficient systems achieved 20.8% energy savings and low-flow fixtures cut water use by 31.7%. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver certification in 2024.

Solaire 8200 Dixon, Silver Spring, MD: Developed by Washington Property Company and designed by Design Collective, this 21-story mixed-use tower transformed a remediated brownfield near the Silver Spring Transit Center. The project reduced energy use by over 34% and cut potable water demand by 36% with low-flow fixtures. More than 90% of construction waste was recycled, and healthy materials enhanced indoor air quality and access to views. SDC provided Process Management, and the building earned LEED-NC Gold certification in 2023.

Cadence at Downtown Crown, Gaithersburg, MD

Harwood Flats, North Bethesda, MD: This 445,010 sf mixed-use building designed by the BKV Group provides 335 luxury apartment units above 5,450 sf of retail and underground parking and complies with Montgomery County’s Green Construction Code. The building achieved a Zero Energy Performance Index (zEPI) of 46.8, which means it uses less than half the energy of an average building. Real-time energy data is displayed through meters, and LED lighting with auto-daylighting controls is used throughout.

Eckington Yards, Washington, DC: This mixed-use urban development includes four residential towers with 273 units and 33,663 sf of retail. Landscaping and irrigation systems reduce potable water consumption by 72%, and energy-efficient systems save 22.7% in energy costs. The project, designed by Eric Colbert & Associates and KTGY, exceeded its initial Silver-level target, achieving LEED-NC Gold-level certification in July 2022. Low-emitting materials were used throughout, with 12% recycled content and 22% regionally sourced materials.

Muse Condominiums, Alexandria, VA: This eight-story, 131,518 sf residential tower designed by SK+I Architectural Design Group includes 73 units, a 5,000 sf art studio, ground-level retail spaces, and access to walking trails. The project features an “Art Walk” with landscaped open space and hardscape for residents and visitors to enjoy. This project completed construction in December 2022 and attained LEED-NC Silver-level certification in March 2023.

Venue, Alexandria, VA: This 13-story, 184,508 sf luxury complex includes 119 residential units, 41 townhomes, an art studio, and underground parking. The site connects to the Mount Vernon Trail, promoting pedestrian access. Building systems achieved 22% energy savings and 32% water savings, and uses low-emitting, recycled, and regionally sourced materials. The building was designed by Lessard Design, Inc. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved LEED-NC Silver-level certification in 2023.

Providence Place, Washington, DC: This five-story, 93-unit mixed-income apartment building sits on the Progressive National Baptist Convention campus in Deanwood, preserving the site’s topography and Arte Moderne architectural heritage. The project includes two open courtyards, a community room, gym, business center, and rooftop terrace with city views and was designed by Torti Gallas Urban. SDC provided Process Management, and the project achieved Enterprise Green Communities certification in 2025.