A new geothermal heating and cooling system was just one of the energy-efficient innovations on display when the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency hosted a "green reopening" at Parkway Terrace Apartments on Thursday, July 23.
As residents move into Parkway Terrace, the most significant improvement is one that's not even visible. The geothermal energy system, the first of its kind in Tennessee community-owned housing, utilizes the ground as a thermal energy source to generate heating and cooling. A consistent temperature is maintained inside the apartments, allowing the electrical system in place to operate more efficiently to heat and cool the units. It's estimated the geothermal system will reduce heating and water heating costs by 70 percent, and cooling costs by 30 percent.
In addition to the geothermal energy system, the 125-unit Parkway Terrace has undergone a number of other exterior and interior renovations:
· The addition of individual porticos and patios, increasing private yard space for each apartment
· Beautiful new cabinetry and counters
· New flooring in every apartment
· New, HardiePlank® siding in a variety of bold colors
· Attractive landscaping and public space, including additional off-street parking and enclosed waste containment space
"MDHA's property management group has systematically pursued energy and water conservation since 1997," said MDHA Executive Director Phil Ryan. "We are now taking it to a new level with geothermal, solar, VRV, lighting and water conservation technologies. Our customers save money and it's good for our beautiful Middle Tennessee."
MDHA is implementing energy-saving strategies system-wide, with a particular emphasis on its high-rise properties for the elderly and disabled. Water conservation measures, including new fixtures, commodes, shower heads, faucets and aerators, are expected to result in 50 percent less consumption. Heating and cooling upgrades in the high rises include European-style variable refrigerant volume (VRV) heat pump systems that utilize outside air to control indoor temperature. Photo-voltaic solar panels will be installed at two high rises, ultimately generating 160,000-200,000 kilowatt hours of energy annually -- enough energy to power 12 or 13 typical households in a year.
Guests at the July 23 open house were able to tour an apartment at Parkway Terrace and see interactive demonstrations of all the energy technology planned for MDHA communities.
Pictured above, left to right -- MDHA Executive Director Phil Ryan; First Lady of Nashville Anne Davis, chair of the Mayor's Advisory Committee on Environment; and Mayor Karl Dean at the Parkway Terrace Apartments "green" reopening.
