6 multifamily housing projects win 2023 LEED Homes Awards

Each year, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognizes leading projects and developers in the residential green building space. This year marks the 15th annual LEED Homes Awards, where recipients fall into the categories of Outstanding Single Family Projects, Outstanding Multifamily Projects, Outstanding Affordable Projects, Outstanding Developer, Project of the Year, and LEED Power Builders.

The 2023 LEED Homes Awards winners in the multifamily space represent green, LEED-certified buildings designed to provide clean indoor air and reduced energy consumption. Here are the three outstanding multifamily and three outstanding affordable projects:

Outstanding Multifamily Projects

The George
San Francisco, Calif. (LEED Silver)

The George exemplifies sustainability, community, and health and wellness. Built on the mission of cultural celebration, community development, and economic and racial justice, SoMa celebrates the pride and people of generations of Filipinos throughout the city through area landmarks, businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Multifamily high-rise exterior in city — The George, San Francisco, Calif. Photo © Brookfield Properties, courtesy USGBC

Zero Place
New Paltz, N.Y. (LEED Platinum)

Zero Place is a groundbreaking project that showcases the potential of using existing technology to bring net zero energy to multifamily buildings. The project was designed from the ground up to maximize energy efficiency and generate all of its required energy on-site.

Solar panels on rooftop of multifamily building — Zero Place, New Paltz, N.Y. Photo © Chris Kendall, courtesy USGBC

University of California, Riverside North District
Riverside, Calif. (LEED Gold)

North District serves as the home away from home for more than 1,500 students. The project features a mix of affordable one-, two- and four-bedroom units, accommodating students with diverse economic profiles, with pricing remaining consistent with older on-campus accommodations.

Outstanding Affordable Projects

Orenda at Othello Square
Seattle, Wash. (LEED Gold)

Orenda authentically represents a community-centered design and supports the health and wellness of a resilient neighborhood. As a seven-story mixed-use development, Orenda achieved Gold certification under LEED Homes Multifamily Midrise. Low-flow water fixtures and the landscape palette minimize the water needed for irrigation. Attention was paid to materials to promote wellness by selecting those that minimize the off gassing of chemicals, using durable, water-resistant products, and ensuring good ventilation.

Orenda at Othello Square exterior multifamily — Orenda at Othello Square, Seattle, Wash. Photo © Weber Thompson, courtesy USGBC

The Creamery
Kalamazoo, Mich. (LEED Platinum)

The Creamery is part of a long-term multi-year development in partnership with the city, and it worked with the local community over many design charrette meetings to determine what best would serve the residents on this former brownfield site.

They also partnered with the Kalamazoo YMCA to boost the mixed-use space to "create Michigan's first comprehensive early childhood learning center that includes first, second, and third shift twenty-four-hour drop off day care services.

Jefferson Park Apartments
Chicago, Ill. (LEED Gold)

5150 Northwest Highway is a 75-unit, mixed-income apartment community in Jefferson Park for veterans, persons with disabilities, seniors and families that is located in a prime location for public transit and community resources.