For the last several years, green building has been a hot topic, with homebuilders offering newly constructed residences that are as eco-friendly as they are well-appointed. In fact, in metro Atlanta, a host of companies have established successful programs that allow home buyers to enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient and cost-effective building features. What residents and relocators may not know is that this same approach is being applied in the multifamily market, as apartment complex developers place sustainability front and center. One such company is AMLI, one of the country’s most prolific apartment developers and a recognized leader in the green building arena. In fact, the company received the U.S. Green Building Council’s 2018 LEED Homes Power Builder Award for the fourth consecutive year, as well as the 2019 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award. So we asked Phil Tague, president of AMLI Residential, to share the latest on the company’s green building efforts and what residents can expect, particularly in metro Atlanta.

According to Tague, AMLI began designing and building all new apartment complexes to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification more than a decade ago. The company received its first official LEED certification in 2010 and has worked to retain that accomplishment at its developments across the country ever since. So, what does that mean for Atlanta?

Meeting the Demand

“Our residents are passionate about sustainability and have shown clear demand for green features. In our 2019 Sustainable Living Index Survey, 83 percent of our Atlanta residents said that living in a green building was beneficial to their health,” Tague notes. What’s more, 48 percent of the residents surveyed said that green features impacted their decision to lease at AMLI as opposed to comparable properties in the same neighborhood. “This statistic highlights the demand for sustainable features,” he continues. “The feedback from our residents validates our commitment to green living and also pushes us to continually improve our sustainability practices and achieve more ambitious goals.”

To meet the Atlanta market’s call for environmentally friendly apartment options, AMLI has included an array of healthy upgrades in its buildings, such as the use of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) building materials and the installation of fresh air ventilation systems, which bring fresh outside air into each unit within a complex. The company also upgraded its insulation and air sealing products and now chooses to use high-efficiency water appliances and water fixtures across the board.

“In Atlanta, all of our buildings have achieved ENERGY STAR® certification or are anticipated to be certified once they are eligible for submission,” Tague says. “This signifies that our buildings are more energy-efficient than at least 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide.” AMLI also provides recycling services in all of its communities, providing side-by-side recycling and trash chutes in all newer buildings. “Where we offer valet waste, we always match it with valet recycling,” he adds.

Multiple Benefits

AMLI’s sustainability efforts provide exponential benefits for residents. Of course, of the utmost importance is the health of AMLI occupants. With such features as low VOC paints and materials, which reduce off-gassing and the presence of harmful chemicals in the air, and fresh air ventilation systems, residents enjoy a higher quality of life and true peace of mind. Yet, the inclusion of these types of amenities are not only beneficial in terms of personal health.

“When buildings don’t embrace green upgrades, a resident’s money can be wasted on inefficient and outdated fixtures and appliances,” Tague says. AMLI’s green building efforts and the use of ENERGY STAR appliances and energy- and water-efficient features allow apartment residents to save money every month while helping them reduce their carbon footprint—which also is a key consideration for AMLI.

“Building LEED allows us not only to improve the health and living conditions for our residents, but also to push our industry towards healthier and greener housing. The goal of LEED is to shift the marketplace by encouraging owners of commercial buildings to adopt better and better practices,” Tague states. “Our buildings’ lower carbon footprints support a better living environment around the globe. Being on the forefront of this global change gives us the tools to create a more outstanding living environment now and in the future.”

Caring for the Community

As Tague reveals, AMLI is dedicated to being a valuable member of the community. Therefore, in addition to constructing buildings that are both healthy and efficient, the company tries to find ways to be environmentally proactive in the cities and neighborhoods where its buildings are located. For instance, as he explains, “Buckhead is known for being a neighborhood with few parks and open public spaces. To help improve the neighborhood and provide an innovative solution to rainwater management, AMLI built a 1.5-acre park, the Marie Sims Park. The park is the crown jewel of our Buckhead campus of three properties and provides a gathering space for the neighborhood while managing rainwater flows to mitigate any downstream flooding.”

Additionally, AMLI partners with groups like the Historic Fourth Ward Park Conservancy, supporting park capital improvements and participating in the annual Earth Day cleanup of the Historic Fourth Ward Park. The company also invests hundreds of volunteer hours to help community groups across the metro area. And it’s this type of enthusiasm and initiative that has made AMLI one of metro Atlanta’s most highly regarded green builders. “AMLI’s approach to sustainable living is comprehensive,” Tague concludes. “AMLI’s mission is to create an outstanding living environment."

Where to Stay in Atlanta for a Business Trip

By Timothy P. Miller, President and Owner, TP Corporate Lodging, Inc.

Trying to find temporary housing while staying in Atlanta for a business trip? TP Corporate offers fully furnished, well-appointed units in the following economic centers.

Buckhead

Located on the north end of the city, Buckhead is one of the most affluent and popular areas of Atlanta, known for its award-winning restaurants, vibrant nightlife and luxury shopping.

AMLI 3464, AMLI Buckhead, 92 West Paces, Cyan on Peachtree

Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is a very walkable part of town that offers easy access to many attractions, dining and major corporate offices.

77 12th, Sixty 11th, Ascent Midtown

Old Fourth Ward

Conveniently located between Downtown Atlanta, Little Five Points and Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward is a great area to stay if you want to be near one of the hippest parts of Atlanta.

North Highland Steel, AMLI Ponce Park, AMLI Old 4th Ward, Inman Quarter

Vinings

Vinings offers easy access to I-75 and I-285 and proximity to Buckhead and the Chattahoochee River.

Walton at Columns Drive, Walton at Riverwood, Bell Vinings

Sandy Springs/Dunwoody

Sandy Springs and Dunwoody straddle GA-400 and I-285, making it convenient for business travelers.

Sync at Perimeter, Walton at Ashwood, Heights at Perimeter, The Bishop, Flats at Perimeter

For more information, visit tpcorporatelodging.com.

Go Green with AMLI

Looking for an environmentally friendly apartment complex in metro Atlanta? AMLI has numerous options, including these exceptional properties.

AMLI Decatur

Located in one of metro Atlanta’s trendiest spots, AMLI Decatur is perfect for those seeking a true downtown-inspired living experience. This Breatheasy® Smoke-Free Community is designed for LEED Gold® certification with ENERGY STAR® appliances, WaterSense fixtures, premium air filters, electric car charging, low VOC flooring, native landscaping and more. It also offers an array of floor plans that feature quartz countertops, private balconies and large closets. Within the community itself, you’ll also find a custom-designed pool, a bocce court, a dog park, a high-endurance fitness center, a fully equipped tech center and more.

AMLI Buckhead Campus

Situated on one parcel of land in Buckhead are three outstanding AMLI properties: AMLI Buckhead, AMLI Lenox and AMLI 3464. Together, they surround Marie Sims Park, a facility built by AMLI for the Buckhead community. AMLI Lenox and AMLI 3464 are both LEED Gold® certified, while AMLI Buckhead is LEED Platinum® certified. Collectively, the properties feature a Breatheasy® smoke-free environment, fresh air ventilation, bike storage and repair shops and more. AMLI Buckhead also offers such unique amenities as programmable thermostats. And their energy use reduction is as high as 26 percent. Of course, between the three properties, residents also have access to spectacular one-, two- and three-bedroom units with high-end features and unique complex-specific amenities like a rooftop deck with a movie screen, a resort-style swimming pool, a clubroom, a DIY maker space, a two-story fitness center and private workspaces.

For more information about these AMLI properties, visit amli.com.

Need Help Finding the Perfect Apartment? Use AptAmigo!

A unique, free service for renters, AptAmigo will take your answers to questions about your ideal apartment and build a list of metro Atlanta options for you. Then you have two choices:

• AptAmigo will schedule a full day of tours for you, accompany you to each building, pay for transportation, take notes during the tours and assist throughout the relocation process.

• If you are unable to visit in person, AptAmigo offers virtual tours through which an agent will visit properties for you and share videos of each visit so you can make your decision.

For more information or to get started, visit aptamigo.com.