The Kalahari uses alternative energy

By MAX GROSS

Kalahari, a massive, 249-unit building offering both affordable units and market-rate housing (with units priced as high as $1.65 million), is aiming for silver LEED certification. Features include a green roof, ionic air filters, low-VOC materials and bamboo floors.

Solar and wind energy powers 25 percent of the building. The developer estimates that on a 1,000-square-foot unit, the average resident will save more than $500 per year in energy costs.

And over in East Harlem, the 38-unit Observatory Place development has a green roof, low-VOC materials and an energy-efficient heating system. The 20 remaining units are priced from $330,000 for a studio up to $850,000 for a three-bedroom.