ARLINGTON, Va. – May 19, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — The Arlington County Board today recognized local businesses, organizations and homeowners for their outstanding commitment to the environment. The achievements noted today include energy-efficient and green buildings, green power purchases, transit programs and sustainable designs. Together, these efforts represent a community-wide movement in Arlington to “go green.”
“Today’s recipients demonstrate that there are numerous opportunities for a business or homeowner to make a difference for our environment,” noted Arlington County Board Chairman Barbara Favola. “When everyone steps forward to do his or her part, the sum of these efforts will enable us to achieve our shared goal of reducing emissions and improving our overall quality of life.”
Fresh AIRE Business Champions Announced
Since the inception of Fresh AIRE – Arlington Initiative to Reduce Emissions – in January 2007, the County has engaged the Arlington community in the climate change dialogue on a number of fronts and implemented programs to help businesses and residents to “go green.” Under Fresh AIRE, the County has seen tremendous growth in environmental commitments on the part of its business community. The number of ENERGY STAR labeled buildings has doubled, green power purchases have tripled, and more businesses are seeking LEED certification and advocating transit alternatives. At the county’s fourth awards ceremony, the following 16 organizations were acknowledged:
- Vornado/ Charles E. Smith for earning the ENERGY STAR® on two buildings: 1601 North Kent Street, Arlington, VA & 2001 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
- JBG/Commercial Management, L.L.C. & PPF OFF 1801 North Lynn Street, L.L.C. for earning the ENERGY STAR for 1801 North Lynn Street.
- Courtyard by Marriott & Ashford Hospitality Trust for earning the ENERGY STAR for the Courtyard by Marriott, Arlington Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, 2899 Jefferson Davis Highway.
- Lincoln Property Company & The Navy League, LLC for earning the ENERGY STAR for The Navy League, 2300 Wilson Blvd
- Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. & LaSalle Investment Management (Virginia Square Office Corporation) for earning the ENERGY STAR for Virginia Square Plaza, 3811 North Fa irfax Drive.
- Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc. & JP Morgan Asset Management for earning the ENERGY STAR for One Potomac Yard
- Sebesta Blomberg & Associates, Inc. for the achievement of LEED® for Commercial Interiors Gold Certification for 2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 400.
- Irides for the organization-wide purchase of 100% green power.
- The Nature Conservancy for the organization-wide purchase of 100% green power.
- Arbour Realty for the purchase of 100% green power for their office located at 1100 North Glebe Road.
- The Art Institute of Washington for outstanding commuter benefits to employees and members.
- Consumer Electronics Association for outstanding commuter benefits to employees.
Green Home Choice Certifications
Green Home Choice, the County program that supports and recognizes the construction of sustainable new homes, renovations, and additions, has had 76 participants to date. The builders, designers, and homeowners of 14 of these homes will be recognized by the County Board today. They include:
- Arlington Designer Homes, Bill Moore
- Greenbuilt Homes, Adam Bean
- JT Carpentry, Jay Taranto and homeowners Diane Schwartz and Victor McMann
- Merrill Contracting, David Merrill with his architect, Matt Guenther, and homeowners Christine Del Valle and Paul Campanella
- Metro Green, Patty Sheilds
- Paul Davis Restoration and Remodeling, Brett Dalrymple
- SMK Builders, Steve Kopecky and the homeowner, Ken Pinkela
- TriVista, USA, Michael and Deborah Sauri
To learn how to become an AIRE Champion, contact Sarah O’Connell at 703-228-4797. To obtain information about how to certify homes under the Green Home Choice program, contact Helen Reinecke-Wilt at 703-228-4792. Additional information is also available on the web.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the “10 miles 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. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency’s highest award for “Smart Growth” in 2002. 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.
Contact: Shannon Whalen McDaniel 703-228-3685 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Contact: Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy 703-228-3152 cell: 571-722-8721 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
