Birchez Associates LLC

TOWN OF ULSTER, NY JULY 1, 2010 – Next Thursday, July 8, guests who make their way to The Birches at Chambers will get a glimpse into the future.  The newest development to join the Birchez Associates family of communities is a representation of tomorrow—both in terms of its environmental advancements, but also in the promise of a better tomorrow it gives its senior residents.

One of the most exciting aspects of The Birches at Chambers is the news that the building qualifies for platinum certification under LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, sponsored by the US Green Building Council.  This is the highest level of achievement a building can get, so when Joe Malcarne, the LEED Accredited Professional who is working on the project, announced his determination of the building’s platinum qualification, the response within the company has been one of pleasant surprise.

“We’re so very happy about it,” said Steve Aaron, Managing Member of Birchez Associates, and the development’s organizer.  “Because we didn’t start off saying we want to be LEED Platinum, we started off saying, ‘let’s do the right thing.’”

High-quality insulation, energy recovery ventilators, and forthcoming solar panels are just a few of the features that were cited as bringing the high level of certification.  In fact, every apartment was blow-tested to ensure that air doesn’t escape into the hallway from underneath the doors, keeping warm air in during the colder months.

The company’s reliance on quality, environmental innovation is only growing stronger, and it’s assured that future Birchez developments will sport similar energy-saving technologies.  Plans are currently underway to create a comparable senior community in Fishkill, NY—and it’s likely that the positive sustainability strides made in the Town of Ulster will be amplified when the Fishkill development’s construction is under way.

It’s obvious that energy efficiency and sustainability are good for the earth, but it’s easy to forget that going green is good for wallets, too.  Because energy consumption is low, the utilities for the senior residents of The Birches at Chambers run a fraction of what a comparable square footage unit might run.  This lowers costs all around—meaning lower rents for residents—creating an elevated standard of living for the seniors who call the building home.

As part of the draws of the dedication on July 8, the development’s LEED AP Joe Malcarne will be showing an exhibit during on the development’s green and sustainable building practices.  The exhibit and tours of the building will offer insight into how The Birches at Chambers went from conceptual stages to a constructed reality, and what people can expect from the company’s future.

Brian Rubin for Birchez Associates, birchezassociates@gmail.com