Homeowners, architects, builders recognized for choosing sustainability
ARLINGTON, Va., September 18, 2007 – The Arlington County Board today certified 17 projects completed under the County’s Green Home Choice program. The County created the program in 2003 to encourage builders and homeowners to make environmentally friendly choices when building new homes or remodeling. Builders and homeowners who participate receive expedited plan review for their building permits.
Homes completed under the program have an estimated 30% to 40% improved energy performance over standard projects.
Remodels, renovations, new homes qualify for certification
The certified homes range from modest remodels to major renovations and custom new homes. They share an approach that significantly reduces the impact on the environment by taking energy and water conservation, durability, materials conservation and site protection into consideration. Green homes also have a healthier indoor environment and lower heating and cooling bills.
“These homeowners, architects and builders have done much more than improve the environmental sustainability of their homes,” said County Board Chairman Paul Ferguson. “They are pioneers who are leading the way for the rest of us. I hope that each of us, as we contemplate remodeling or building our homes, will take advantage of this County program to create something that saves money and protects the environment.”
Green Home Choice complements County’s Fresh AIRE program
Ferguson noted that the Green Home Choice program is an integral part of the County’s overall effort to encourage environmental protection and complements the Fresh AIRE climate protection initiative.
Green Home participants reduce, recycle, replace
Participants upgraded insulation and replaced aging appliances and windows with more efficient ENERGY STAR products. Some invested in FSC-certified sustainably harvested wood, solar hot water heating, and green roofs. The County encourages participants to also certify their homes under the federal ENERGY STAR program, a Department of Energy program that encourages homeowners and businesses to achieve greater energy efficiency.
Several Green Home Choice projects used a new green building method—deconstruction—that reuses and recycles materials salvaged from the demolition of an existing building. Builders also took extra care to minimize site impact during construction and to save trees whenever possible. Minimizing impervious surfaces on the site helps protect the Chesapeake Bay and local groundwater sources.
Some new home builders experimented with innovative systems still new to the region, including passive solar strategies, green roofs, and energy from solar panels and ground source heat pumps.
County offers workshops, scoring and guidance system
Arlington County supports green home building through staff partnering and free workshops, and through a scoring and guidance system that tracks the progress of each project. A County green building inspector verifies performance.
In addition to offering expedited plan review for building permits to participating buildings and homeowners, the County provides soft marketing to participating professionals by listing them on the Green Home Choice web site.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class urban community that was originally part of the “10-mile square” parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation’s Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Known for its urban villages and transit-oriented development, Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use. In 2002, the county was the first recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth.” Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world – including the Pentagon – Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
