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Green Ideas Certifies Sixth LEED Certified Building at ASU's Novus Innovation Corridor

The 333-unit, seven-story apartment building was designed to create a dynamic atmosphere offering an array of sought-after amenities

Novus Innovation Corridor development in Tempe, Arizona exterior — Green Ideas

Green Ideas® Building Science Consultants has LEED certified their sixth project within the unique and forward-thinking Novus Innovation Corridor development in Tempe, Arizona.

Transwestern Development Company engaged Green Ideas to work with their design and construction team to drive the high-performance building elements and required LEED® SILVER level certification for Mira, located on Parcel 3G within Novus. The 333-unit, seven-story apartment building was designed to create a dynamic atmosphere offering an array of sought-after amenities, including a resort-style pool with lounge area, a state-of-the-art fitness center, coworking space with conference rooms, a resident clubhouse with a pool table, wet bar, and secure bike storage. Mira is the third multifamily project to achieve the Novus-required LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) SILVER level certification within the Novus Innovation Corridor, a LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certified master planned development at the ASU campus in Tempe, Arizona.

Upon receiving the final LEED certification for the project, Transwestern Development’s Vice President John Beckworth stated "Mira is the second project Green Ideas has completed for Transwestern within the Novus Innovation Corridor, and once again, Charlie and his team proved to be an exceptional partner. They worked seamlessly with our entire project team to achieve our goal of LEED SILVER certification, bringing deep technical expertise, responsiveness, and a commitment to excellence throughout the process. Their collaboration played a key role in the successful delivery of the project."

The project was designed by Belshaw Mulholland Architects of Addison, Texas according to LEED design standards, including landscape and hardscape applications to reduce the urban heat island effect along with low water-use plant material and appropriate trees for shade, wayfinding, and continuous aesthetics throughout the site. Sustainable results at the property include 29% reduced energy use, 32% decreased domestic water use, 58% savings of potable water for landscape irrigation, extensive use of recycled materials and incorporation of technology to monitor conservation efforts. These high-performance building strategies will contribute to a more comfortable living experience, reduced energy consumption and will save thousands of gallons of water every year.

Being at the forefront of sustainable building science, green building, and LEED certifications in Arizona for over 24 years, Green Ideas is proud of its integral role at Novus and across the nation. This project demonstrates sustainability leadership and innovation in many ways. In addition to aggressive high-performance building goals, Novus is a place where the private sector can interact with ASU's knowledge assets and create opportunities for students and faculty to collaborate with business.

Upon completion of the Mira project, Green Ideas’ President Charlie Popeck stated “It was a pleasure to work with such a professional organization as Transwestern Development Company on their second project at Novus. Mira is a great example of applying building science principles to a multifamily project and is another hallmark facility within Novus”.

Green Ideas Building Science Consultants managed and completed all elements of the LEED certification process for Mira, including the required Energy Modeling and Building Systems Commissioning for this unique project. Mira marks the sixth project that Green Ideas has LEED certified at Novus. Previous LEED certified projects completed at Novus by Green Ideas include the Novus 777 Office Tower, The Piedmont multifamily/retail building, Horizon Bay office complex, Vero multifamily/retail building, and Novus Place Mixed-Use Entertainment District. The company has worked with the master developer, Catellus Development Corporation at Novus since 2017, helping to develop the move-forward plan for high-performance building standards throughout the entire Novus development.

Visit the Mira Project Profile page on the Green Ideas Building Science Consultants website for a complete Project Profile detailing Mira’s high-performance building results. Additional information includes an article by Charlie Popeck.