Sustainable Living

Learn about our growing portfolio of high-performance residential buildings designed and engineered to the world’s most rigorous sustainability standards providing living spaces optimized for comfort, health, and well-being. 

the side view of 5 Sacramento street

Experience Sustainable Living

Aligning with Harvard University's Sustainability Action Plan, Harvard University Housing has engaged new innovative measures in select properties to meet PHIUS Passive House  and  Living Building Challenge Core certification standards.

These properties have undergone renovations or construction from the ground up with sustainable living in mind, which means several facets of the buildings have been curated to meet specific guidelines that promote healthier living and ecological resilience in areas such as landscaping, water use, building materials, energy consumption, and human design.

The rear view of 13 Kirkland, with an accessibility ramp leading to the rear entry and porch area

Certifications

Living Building Challenge (LBC) Core Certification

A  holistic performance-based certification system  administered by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), outlined by 10 imperatives:

  1. Ecology of Place
  2. Human-Scaled Living
  3. Responsible Water Use
  4. Energy + Carbon Reduction
  5. Healthy Interior Environment
  6. Responsible Materials
  7. Universal Access
  8. Inclusion
  9. Beauty + Biophilia
  10. Education + Inspiration

After construction, there is a 12-month performance period during which energy and water reduction requirements must be met for LBC Core certification.

  • Certified HUH Properties: 13 Kirkland (2023), 5 Sacramento (2023)

Phius CORE Certification

A  performance standard from the Passive House Institute US  focused on achieving superior building performance and quality construction. 
Certification is guided by a set of design principles that emphasize quality, durability, health, safety, and cost-optimized conservation on the path to net-zero energy:

  1. Continuous Insulation
  2. Airtight Construction
  3. Optimized Windows
  4. Balanced Ventilation
  5. Minimized Mechanical Systems

Throughout the construction of these properties, a Phius Certified Verifier provides 3rd party quality assurance and oversight via on-site inspections and performance testing.

  • Certified HUH Properties: 13 Kirkland (2023), 5 Sacramento (2023)

Sustainable Living Properties

100 South Campus Drive (New!)

100 South Campus Drive (SCD) is our newest residential community in Allston that brings sustainable living and vibrant community spaces to the comfort of your home. 100 SCD adds 276 brand new residential units to the Barry's Corner neighborhood, located just across the Charles River within a 1-mile walk to Harvard Yard. 

  • Coming Soon: Fall 2026

 

architectural rendering of 100 South Campus Drive, a brick-colored building in the distance with people hanging out on the field nearby

13 Kirkland Place

13 Kirkland Place is a Bracketed Italianate structure erected in 1856 by Isaac Cutler, and is a notable contributor to the National Register Historic Districts. Its renovation pairs a commitment to historical preservation with a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, climate resilience, and occupant well-being. 

  • Certified: ILFI, PHIUS 
Learn More
13 Kirkland: a newly renovated building with a bright red door and lush greenery

5 Sacramento Street

Originally built in 1891, 5 Sacramento Street is valued as a significant Queen Anne Victorian due to its high-quality design and construction. Carrying the legacy of renowned local architect, George Fogerty, this esteemed property respects its history with the preservation of the original structure while prioritizing sustainability and resiliency throughout.

  • Certified: ILFI, PHIUS 
Learn More
5 Sacramento: A newly renovated light blue building with classic features, with blue skies, green grass, and lush trees.