Green Building

“We feel strongly that the places we build should improve the livability of the communities where they are located. They should use less energy and have cleaner air. It’s just the right thing to do for this and future generations.” — Mark Edlen

Green Building Features

Energy Efficiency

Energy analysis for The 20 on Hawthorne estimates an average annual energy savings that is 23% higher than the national standard for a similar sized building.

  • High-performance windows that minimize heat loss in the winter and reduce radiant heat gain in the summer
  • Low-flow fixtures that reduce the amount of energy required for hot water uses
  • Premium efficiency lighting design in residences, common areas and parking garage
  • Occupancy sensors in some public areas to help minimize lighting energy use
  • Efficient exterior lighting design that also minimizes negative effect of light pollution
  • Eco-roof and plantings on second floor terraces mitigate urban heat island effect and providing some cooling benefit; light colored roof surfaces have same effect
  • Energy Star® appliances used throughout
  • Programmable thermostats for all regularly occupied spaces
  • Building commissioning to verify and ensure that the entire building is designed, constructed, and calibrated to operate as intended

Resource Efficiency

  • Interior recycling and sorting facilities for residents
  • Aggressive construction waste management plan being followed throughout construction
  • Preference given to materials that contain recycled content and are manufactured locally
  • Preference given to materials that are extracted locally reducing the embodied energy associated with transportation

Water Efficiency

Hawthorne was designed to reduce water usage by a minimum of 40% through:

  • Low-flow/ultra low-flow kitchen and bath fixtures
  • Dual flush toilets
  • Efficient irrigation

Stormwater Management

  • Drought-tolerant landscaping, with native/adaptive plantings that require less water; design ensures over 50% potable water savings associated with water-efficient irrigation system
  • Eco-roof and plantings on second floor provide for stormwater treatment and retention prior to entering city system

Indoor Air Quality

  • Operable windows allow for natural ventilation
  • Hallway HVAC units have high-efficiency filtration to remove particulates from the air entering the building
  • Specified low-toxicity building materials and finishes to prevent off-gassing
    • Natural, renewable linoleum flooring in bathrooms
    • Green label, certified carpets
    • No added urea-formaldehyde (a toxic adhesive in composite wood products) in most finishes including countertop bases, kitchen cabinets, bath vanities and MDF baseboard and trim
  • Construction crews followed specific guidelines to contain dust and prevent contamination of installed systems
  • Safer, environmentally-responsible janitorial services and a building-wide green cleaning program will be implemented upon building completion/occupancy
  • Walk-off mats at main building and parking garage entries to help prevent contaminants from entering the building

General Environmental Responsibility

  • Mixed-use, transit-supportive infill housing project: close to shopping and transit
  • Automated parking system (stacked parking) allows for more efficient use of parking garage
  • Bicycle parking available in secure bike room
  • Zipcar car share vehicles located nearby


LEED Certification

The 20 on Hawthorne building has been designed and built to a LEED Gold Certification standard.

What is LEED®?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.

LEED certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. All certified projects receive a LEED plaque, which is the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning LEED certification.

LEED-certified buildings:

  • Lower operating costs and increased asset value
  • Reduce waste sent to landfills
  • Conserve energy and water
  • Healthier and safer for occupants
  • Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
  • Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives
  • Demonstrate an owner’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility