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The Portland-metropolitan area is a unique multifamily housing market, and though affected by the recession, it remains relatively healthy. Vacancy decreased during most of 2010 and was slightly more than 3 percent during the fourth quarter, according to NAI Norris, Beggs & Simpson’s reports.

Apartment developers must continue to innovate and set themselves apart in order to find development opportunities that will attract renters. And in Portland, that often means incorporating sustainable features.

Renters consider a wide variety of factors when choosing an apartment. Location and price are two key factors, but there are myriad more, including sustainability – a priority for many renters in Portland.

But how can renters be sure apartments are green? A few different certification programs allow buildings’ energy efficiency to be compared on a level playing field. Without a certification system or some way to measure sustainability, greenwashing may occur: a building is misleadingly marketed as being environmentally friendly, but doesn’t necessarily live up to those standards.

The most prevalent certification for commercial and multifamily buildings is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. A number of categories exist, including LEED for new construction, commercial interiors and existing buildings. The certification is based on factors like energy use, building materials, site and water efficiency. Projects are ranked on a 100-point scale and are designated as platinum, gold, silver or certified.

The LEED certification process has been the subject of some criticism. One study has suggested that some LEED-certified buildings don’t achieve the energy efficiency projected. Applying for LEED certification can be pricey, and include registration and certification fees, administrative costs, and design and construction adjustments. Some of that money, however, may be recovered via cost savings in operations.

LEED isn’t the only sustainability program available. The Energy Star program rates home appliances like washers and dryers, but also commercial buildings. Its program for multifamily buildings is in the early stages, but it has a pilot program in a few states, including Oregon, for multifamily buildings. The Energy Star website also has a number of free resources that apartment managers and engineers can use to help conserve energy and become more sustainable.

Various local, regional and state sustainability programs also exist. One newer example is Energy Trust of Oregon’s Path to Net Zero pilot, which aims to develop buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. EcoFLATS, a new 18-unit apartment building on North Williams Avenue, is scheduled to be completed this month. It is the only apartment building in the pilot. The unique project was designed for bikers and the environmentally conscious – people who want to incorporate sustainability into the way they live, from home energy use to transportation.

EcoFLATS’ energy system is a main element. A trellis on the roof of the four-story building features 3,000 square feet of solar panels that should generate energy and heat water for the whole building. A hydronic heating system is featured. Every aspect of the building was designed with energy efficiency in mind.

Perhaps the project’s most distinctive feature is that tenants will work together to help conserve energy. A monitor in the building’s entrance will show how much energy is being created and used, both in common spaces and in individual units. So residents will be aware of their energy use and may hold each other accountable. Coupons or gift certificates to nearby businesses may be given for low energy use or meeting a certain goal. The building’s ground-floor retail space will have a restaurant, and a community courtyard and garden space will be on-site, which should encourage tenants to get to know each other.

EcoFLATS is geared toward bikers and public transportation users, because it has no designated parking spaces for cars. It has plentiful bike parking and is located on a major bike corridor, and even features a ramp alongside stairs so that bikes can easily be transported to upper floors. The neighborhood, which features lots of restaurants and local businesses, is walkable and has plenty of access to public transit.

These unique features sound like they could translate into higher rental prices. But ecoFLATS’ developers wanted to show that living green doesn’t have to be expensive. The rental cost for the building’s 1- and 2-bedroom units is anticipated to be from $900 to $1,500, and include all utilities.

The trend toward green design and features in apartment buildings will only increase in the future. As apartment construction starts to pick up in 2011 and 2012, we will likely see more innovation in green design, and perhaps more local and regional programs to encourage sustainability.

Susan Stratton is president of NBS Multifamily Management, an apartment management company. Contact her at 503-223-7181 or [email protected].