Southface announces the first project in the nation to achieve three EarthCraft certifications: Communities, Light Commercial and Multifamily. Southface worked on Emory Point development with Gables Residential and Gilbane Building Company.
Emory Point is a mixed-use development of shops and 750 luxury homes. The project opened to the public in December 2015, and Southface is pleased to add these three EarthCraft certifications to the inspiring portfolio of development awards that Emory Point has already received.
“At Gilbane, we are excited to see Emory Point earn EarthCraft certification for a low-rise multifamily project,” said Michael Brown, Gilbane Building Company Senior Vice President. “Throughout construction, our team put a tremendous priority on sustainability, such as using energy efficient alternatives for lighting, high efficiency air conditioning and providing for improved indoor air quality.” EarthCraft Multifamily utilizes a HERS rating system, a points-based program worksheet and diagnostic testing to verify that each project complies with program standards.
“We are proud to be the first project to receive the EarthCraft Communities, Light Commercial and Multifamily certifications,” said Joe Wilber, Gables Residential Senior Vice President Investments – East. “Working in conjunction with Southface, we have successfully brought to life a community that allows our residents to enjoy reduced utility bills due to environmentally conscious building practices. It also provides our residents with a comfortable living environment while participating in effective sustainability practices.”
The development is equipped with numerous features that create a walkable, healthy and resilient community. “What people don’t understand about transportation is that it’s not the commute,” said Robert Reed, Director of Residential and Community Sustainability Services at Southface. “Transportation in Atlanta isn’t just the one- to two-hour commute. When you live where you work, that drastically cuts down on carbon emissions, but if you have all your daily needs in your building, that reduces infrastructure demand. The carbon emissions will start to decline, your quality of life increases and that will lead to healthier communities. The EarthCraft programs help communities achieve these benefits.”
In addition to its community plan and design, Emory Point prioritizes health and well-being in other ways—from the low-VOC paints to the formaldehyde-free insulation made of 25 percent recycled content. More than 90 percent of construction waste was recycled, and for residents, community recycling is also in place—all aluminum, plastic, paper, glass and cardboard is recycled. Emory Point has an irrigation system that was designed by a WaterSense Professional; on-site cisterns are projected to collect 124,534 gallons of rainwater annually, to serve the development’s 45,637 gallon landscaping needs—leaving a surplus of 36 percent, which can be diverted for extra non-potable water supply.
EarthCraft Communities program is a certification system for sustainably planned and constructed communities that offers holistic approaches to development for rural, suburban or urban projects. Through the EarthCraft certification process, communities enhance their health, livability, efficiency and overall market appeal.
EarthCraft Light Commercial is a regional green building certification program offering third-party recognition for environmentally responsible design and construction practices for small-scale commercial buildings in the Southeast, generally 50,000 square feet or less. The program focuses on site planning, energy and water efficiency, building durability, and improved occupant health and productivity.
EarthCraft Multifamily program was the first multifamily specific green building program in the nation, and provides certifications for low-rise and mid-rise multifamily projects, including new construction and renovation. Multifamily standards address a wide range of sustainability considerations, including environmental performance, indoor air quality, building durability, comfort and affordability. EarthCraft addresses these concerns at the unit level and for the building as a whole.