Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority earned a Gold LEED rating for Bennett Point, the newest building in CMHA’s portfolio. Earning a Gold rating meant that Bennett Point went through a rigorous review process that took it from pre-certification, construction, and post-construction reviews.
A Gold LEED Rating is a complex and prestigious rating to achieve in the housing industry for sustainability. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the performance rating evaluates the environmental functions of buildings and measures their sustainability for the future. It is recognized world-wide as the industry standard for green buildings, and it provides a “framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings.” The four levels of LEED are based on a point system as buildings earn points for specific criteria in categories such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. A Gold rating represents a project’s comprehensive approach of best practices in terms of energy conservation, a reduction in water usage, and enhanced indoor air quality. Bennett Point is an exemplary model of sustainability as it offers energy efficient appliances, HVAC systems, elevators, and much more. The low flush toilets afford a reduction of water usage, and
The four-story building is located in the Pendleton District of downtown Cincinnati, near the Hard Rock Casino. Additionally, Bennett Point is a mixed-income building, meaning that residents with multiple levels of income reside in the apartment building. Of the 56 total units, 7 are available at market-rate with 49 units available for low-income affordability to foster a diverse, inclusive community in the heart of downtown Cincinnati and center of Hamilton County.
