About Us

Green Building

Green Energy BillboardFoundation Communities has been committed to building and managing affordable housing rooted in sustainable principles since 2000.

Green building makes sense for affordable housing because by reducing utility bills and operating costs, we can keep rents low and fund vital services like free, on-site after-school programs and supportive services for fragile families. Green building also lowers utility bills, helping people with low incomes make their money go further.

Renewable energy
  • All learning centers and supportive housing communities use 100 percent renewable energy (solar or wind).
  • Foundation Communities is one of the largest private producers of solar energy in central Texas. 
  • Producing 107,000 kWh annually, our panels generate 5 percent of energy we use and could power 10 average single family homes for a year.
Solar arraysEnergy Efficiency & Production
  • Solar electric systems - five locations have roof-mounted photovoltaic systems - 81 kW total grids
  • Solar thermal - preheats hot water at Spring Terrace and Skyline Terrace
  • North-south building orientation - trees on east-west sides provide shade
  • 4-foot roof overhangs
  • High-performance windows
  • Sensors and dimmers minimize artificial lighting use during daylight
  • All appliances are being replaced with Energy Star certified appliances
  • Common spaces and residential spaces at our properties have been switched from standard light bulbs to CFLs
  • 13 SEER AC systems
Spring Terrace Rainwater CisternWater Conservation
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures
  • Water-wise landscaping - at some locations
  • Rainwater harvesting - at Spring Terrace
Healthy Living Environment
  • Low-VOC paint, adhesives and sealants
  • Formaldehyde-free products
  • Converting a parking lot into a 10,000 sq. ft. courtyard garden — at Spring Terrace
  • Resident-maintained community edible gardens - at Sierra Ridge and Garden Terrace
Conserving Resources
  • 75 percent of construction waste is salvaged or recycled
  • Where possible we use materials made from renewable resources (ceramic tile, carpet, wheatboard)
  • Replacing carpet in first-floor apartments to ceramic tile - multiple locations
Resident Education
  • We conduct trainings for maintenance staff and residents so they can understand the energy- and water-saving features of their workplace or home.
  • At Spring Terrace and Skyline Terrace, we educate residents through a Green Living brochure.
Our Green Partners

 

TXU LogoAll of the electricity for our properties' common areas is offset by renewable energy courtesy of TXU Energy. Renewable energy is the cleanest form of power because it's derived from clean, non-depleting sources like wind or hydropower. With the help of TXU Energy and Texas wind power, we're doing our share to help the environment.

 

 

energy star logoFoundation Communities is proud to be an Energy Star® Partner. Through this partnership our building manager can "measure," "rate," or "benchmark" a facility's energy use by using the EPA's National Building Performance Rating System. In addition, we have access to online Energy Star resources that assist us in achieving our "green" initiatives.