Environmentally Responsible
At Aura, we want to do the part to preserve the fresh snow and deep-powder days for all who live and play in Snowmass. The all-electric residences are powered 100% by renewable energy resources, resulting in no ongoing carbon footprint.* While Aura’s mass timber structure sets a new benchmark for environmental stewardship in Snowmass.
Aura’s Sustainable Building Elements
Aura’s holistic approach to sustainability addresses both the building’s ongoing carbon footprint (what it takes to operate the building) and its embodied carbon footprint (how much carbon it takes to build Aura).
ALL-ELECTRIC RESIDENCES
Powered 100% by renewable energy, primarily through the Holy Cross PuRE program.
MASS TIMBER STRUCTURE
Lower carbon emissions during fabrication than steel/concrete. Provides carbon sequestration with sustainable forestry practices.
STATE-OF-THE-ART SYSTEMS
Utilizes leading technology such as heat recovery and continuous ventilation to create ultimate comfort and efficiency.
ROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS
Solar arrays on the Aura roof will provide some on-site renewable energy production.
EFFICIENT BUILDING SHELL
Enhanced insulation to regulate temperature year-round while minimizing mechanical loads.
TRIPLE PANE WINDOWS
High-performing glazing in windows provides superior energy performance, supplies fresh air and optimal daylight.
CROSS VENTILATION
Through-building floor plans offer brilliant southern exposure and enable abundant natural air flow.
LEED GOLD
Targeting LEED Gold certification to join Snowmass Base Village, a LEED certified neighborhood.
*Outside the building there are a few gas-powered carbon splurges, including spa pools, firepits and site snowmelt.
The Mass Timber Advantage
Click to explore.
What Is Mass Timber?
Aura’s mass timber structure represents the next progressive step in sustainable building in Snowmass Base Village. This approach utilizes a variety of engineered wood products such as glulam beams and columns, and cross laminated timber panels that result in a more sustainable building structure.
The Beauty of Mass Timber
Mass timber adds the warming, calming biophilic benefits of exposed wood throughout Aura’s residences.
Sequestering Carbon
The wood used in the building’s structure acts like a carbon sink, sequestering carbon from being released into the atmosphere.
Production Efficiencies in Manufacturing
Manufacturing a mass timber structure requires significantly less carbon and generates less waste than traditional building materials, like steel and concrete. It’s also lighter, requiring less energy to produce, transport and assemble.
Sustainable Forestry Practices
Industrywide mass timber companies practice sustainable forestry, including safeguarding old-growth forests and replanting harvested trees so that the more rapid carbon absorption can begin anew.
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