Sustainability in Austin: Sol Austin

Sol Austin is not just any sustainable development, but a sustainable community that caught my attention more than any other site we visited. The green attributes were impressive, but what struck me was the attention to modern design and the simple and clean features it possessed. Unlike other developments, when walking through, this one seemed more on the grid than off.

 Touted as a pilot program, the homes feature an Austin Energy 4 to 5 star rating, with some designated as affordable housing for those living in an area of East Austin where incomes are $30,000 below the median. With the addition of the affordable housing options the developer was able to get the land rezoned so that smaller houses and smaller lots could be built. In a time when most people want or have wanted more square footage, it seems communities like this, with clear thought and focus, could have the potential to shift that paradigm.

Though a small community, at approximately 40 homes between 930-1800 sq ft, the net-zero capabilities, shared driveways and high efficiency HVAC systems give the development a definite advantage and marketability. Not only are solar panels incorporated but also a sub-grade water harvesting system will allow for water to be piped to the field pond under the park where it can be filtered and pumped back to the aquifer.

Like other sustainable developments, initially the appraisals came back below value. However, as more and more builders are incorporating this type of features, “green” is fast becoming the standard versus the anomaly. By becoming standard practice, homes can appraise for their value and future buyers can realize returns on their investment.  However, the initial price tag might be off putting with 15-17% higher design and build costs over conventional building, the monthly energy savings quickly make up for it.

The only downfall I could see to the project was actually what initially helped them: the selling of a percentage of homes to the GNDC (Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation). Because the GNDC’s presold units are being built first, the market-rate buyers might not see the appeal in purchasing a home in the community. Hopefully, with the unique and tasteful design and abundant green features, this project will truly serve as a pilot and we’ll see more and more communities sprouting up with this degree of thought and attention to detail.