Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta

Feb./March 2007

Building Green
Saving Money and the Environment
by Avery Thibadeau

Glenwoodpark

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 only in recent years reached high levels of social acceptance, 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 both 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 appliances (a government-backed program dedicated to protecting the environment) and other energy efficient designs all contribute to an EarthCraft certification, which builders are seeking for their homes and neighborhoods.

Hedgewood Properties

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 all 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 over 800 street trees and a retention pond used to collect rain and irrigate parks in the community. Most of the retail and office locations, as well as the single-family homes, town homes and condominiums are built for certification, and this picturesque, tree-lined neighborhood provides an ideal family environment only minutes from Downtown.

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 in Vickery, priced anywhere from the $300s to over $1 million, offer residents proximity to both Lake Lanier and North Point Mall, while Serenbe offers homes from the $300s, over 70 acres of green space, and a neighborhood farmer’s market, art gallery, café and bakery.

Haven Properties

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 homes ranging from the $300s to the $700s. With homes at least 30 percent more efficient than standard construction, the company has received EarthCraft and Energy Star awards for its earth-friendly efforts. 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.eco-lofts.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 Earth-Craft certified. Amenities of this Lane Company and Dawson Company development will include a fountain courtyard and two landscaped pool areas, a fitness center and yoga room, underground parking and secure building access.

What’s even more appealing? The development will save 890,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year in power plant emissions alone.

Eco Lofts

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 low $200s to the $500s and EarthCraft designed, will offer their residents the luxury of a private community swimming pool and fitness center, large private balconies, high-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 have 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 scorn such practices, but today’s green building and green living have reached higher levels of sophistication, integrating luxury and the art of living with a conscientious environmental focus.