The 145,000-square-foot complex on a former brownfield site adjacent to freeways, completed in 2015, is 75% more energy-efficient than the 2007 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. A carefully designed courtyard allows light to enter units even in winter months. Solar thermal panels on the south side of the building provide 35% of the building's hot water needs. The building collects stormwater used for irrigating the 5,000-square-foot community garden. A five-stage dedicated outdoor air system improves indoor air quality. Water-saving fixtures and Energy Star-rated appliances that reduce potable water use by 47 percent. The two rooftops are set up for the future installation of large photovoltaic arrays. 

The Commons, Melbourne, Aus. 

The five-story apartment building of 24 two-bedroom units is next to a train line and bike path—and doesn't have a parking lot. A 13.8-inch-thick, acoustically insulated wall on the western side shields the building from train noise; the building's outer skin is opaque corrugated fiberglass with a corrosive-resistant gel coating. Built into the wall is a 2.95-inch ventilated cavity, drawing air through perforated copper panels to flush hot air out of the top. On the north balcony side of the building, dangling chains host climbing wisteria vines that sprout healthy green leaves to shade the apartments in the summer.

None of the apartments has air conditioning, instead of relying on the building's thermal efficiency and ceiling fans to keep cool in the summer. Heating is provided by hydronic gas boilers. Each apartment is fitted with a "kill switch" at its front door, enabling residents to cut power to all outlets and appliances (bar the refrigerator) when leaving home. Recycled bricks were used in the lobby walls. Unfinished timber floorboards were top-nailed, so no glue was used.

Bold L&H Lofts, Chicago, IL 

This 1926 historic structure was rehabbed into "Chicago's first landmark, eco-living, rental loft building." The LEED-certified building includes units with TRACO Manufacturing and Soft-Lite Windows and individual high-efficiency water heaters. Sustainable features also include elevators that operate on 70% less energy than traditional lifts. High-efficiency HVAC systems with heat exchangers; formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets; low-VOC paint and carpet; and low-volume plumbing fixtures. 

The 8,300-square-foot green roof has areas of indigenous plantings that provide energy savings to the residents by reducing the demands on the heating and air conditioning systems in each unit. The green roof also limited rainwater runoff. Other areas of the roof have planters for tenant vegetable or flower gardens, along with spaces for a dog run and a deck for entertaining.

These are just a few examples of more sustainable apartment buildings being developed all over the continent. For apartment dwellers who are looking for more sustainable residences and want to do more than recycle: do a little research, and try to find the development that matches your values. If it doesn't yet exist in your city, perhaps it coming soon to a neighborhood near you!