The 32-story apartment building is located in the heart of downtown New Haven, across the street from the New York train and a short walk to Yale University.
New Haven building has a green, irrigated roof and makes use of fuel cells for energy
But these features may not be its biggest draw. The building, with 500 dwellings, is packed with the latest in energy savings innovations, including a pool run by a fuel cell, elevators that generate their own power as they move and an irrigated green roof.
The developers, Becker+Becker, boast it is the most advanced building in Connecticut. And they may be on to something. It has drawn fawning admiration (and a visit) from outgoing Senator Christopher Dodd. HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims paid a call. And New Haven Mayor John DeStefano claims the structure is exactly what Barack Obama means when he says green economy.
Its energy-savings features include a half-acre, green irrigated roof, a total of 400 KW of on-site fuel cells, electric car charging stations, elevators with energy-capture technology, waste-heat recovery, high-efficiency lighting with motion sensors, low-flow fixtures, insulated windows, recycled-stone countertops and thermostats that detect when people are home.
Appliances have Energy Star ratings, and the garage is equipped with both bike racks and a Zipcar sharing program. The building is the first in the state with an LEED platinum rating.
Becker+Becker said Monday it should half the carbon footprint of comparable towers. Energy savings are to be passed on to residents in the form of lower utility bills.
No unit prices were available. But local reports suggest the penthouse will go for a whopping $4,700 a month.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
