Environmental buzz words are flying around these days, suggesting lifestyle modifications on everything, from eating organically to wearing ethical clothing. Going green is a bandwagon onto which everyone seems to be jumping, including Atlanta’s builders and developers, many of whom are guaranteeing that every home they build is designed to reduce energy costs, promote conservation and create a healthier home for the environment.

Although environmental concerns have reached high levels of social acceptance only in recent years, building green has been many years in the making. The Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and Atlanta’s Southface Energy Institute partnered together years ago to create the EarthCraft House program. This nationally recognized program sets standards and provides a blueprint for building homes that protect the environment while reducing energy consumption and bills. Tree conservation, soil erosion control plans, air sealing measures, water conservation measures, the use of Energy Star (a government-backed program dedicated to protecting the environment) appliances and other energy-efficient designs all contribute to an EarthCraft certification, which builders are seeking for their homes and neighborhoods.

At Serenbe, all homes and businesses are built to EarthCraft standards.

Fortunately, these are no cookie-cutter homes, built with the same tried-and-true environmental plan. The true beauty of EarthCraft is its flexibility. Indeed, many of Atlanta’s premier neighborhoods, attracting residents for their unique homes and inspired designs, are EarthCraft certified. Glenwood Park (404-622-5144, www.glenwoodpark.com), a Green Street Properties mixed-use development two miles east of Downtown Atlanta, is an EarthCraft Communities pilot project nationally recognized for urban development. Green features of the neighborhood include its pedestrian-friendly design, the planting of more than 800 street trees, and a retention pond used to collect rain and irrigate the parks in the community. Most of the retail and office locations within the community, as well as the single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums, are built for certification, and this picturesque, tree-lined neighborhood provides an ideal family environment only minutes from Downtown.

Hedgewood Properties' Vickery attracts residents with its old-world charm.

Hedgewood Properties (770-889-3667, www. hedgewoodhomes.com), which offers homes in Glenwood Park and other award-winning neighborhoods, has built 100 percent of its homes to EarthCraft standards since 2000. Its developments such as Vickery (770-887-0531) in Forsyth and Serenbe (770-463-9997) in South Fulton are considered models for environmentally responsible developments—they are also considered ideal living communities by their residents, who love the traditional town centers and old-world feel of the neighborhoods. Homes at Vickery, priced anywhere from the $260s to over $1 million, offer residents proximity to both Lake Lanier and North Point Mall, while Serenbe offers over 70 acres of green space and a neighborhood farmer’s market, art gallery, bakery as well as several restaurants.

Haven Properties (770-752-0919, www.havenproperties. com), a builder of semi-custom, high-performance homes, has communities in Cherokee, Cobb, Forsyth, Dawson, Douglas and South Fulton counties, with prices beginning in the $300s. The company has received awards for its efforts to make the homes more efficient—every home Haven builds is EarthCraft House and Energy Star certified. The company even guarantees lower energy usage for its homeowners.

Closer in town, both eon at Lindbergh (404-846-2208, www.eonatlindbergh.com) and Chamblee’s Eco Lofts (770-936-6909, www.ecolofts.com) satisfy environmental concerns while providing a high-class urban lifestyle. Eon at Lindbergh, conveniently located at Lindbergh City Center, offers one- and two-bedroom residences starting in the $180s—all are EarthCraft certified. Amenities of this Lane Company and Dawson Company development include a courtyard with sculptures and two landscaped pool areas, a fitness center and yoga room, underground parking and secure building access. What’s even more appealing? The development saves about 890,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year in power plant emissions alone.

Because of its "green" design, this Serenbe estate home was deemed Cooking   Light Magazine's FitHouse for 2006.

Chamblee’s Eco Lofts are the first-ever eco-friendly condominiums powered by 100 percent clean, renewable wind energy. The 60 loft-style homes, priced from the $200s and EarthCraft designed, offer residents the luxury of a private community swimming pool and fitness center, large private balconies, huge glass window walls, hardwood floors, granite countertops and even ceramic tile bathroom floors with decorative inserts. Located minutes from Buckhead and within walking distance to MARTA, Eco Lofts has created a perfect harmony between the desire for absolute luxury and the need for environmental standards.

Today’s approach to environmental living is no longer limited to compost piles, solar panels on the roof and recycling bins lining the kitchen. We certainly shouldn’t cease such practices, but today’s green living has reached a higher level of sophistication, integrating luxury and the art of living with environmental principles.