Once completed, an Ellicott City, Md., community will be the first to receive its county’s “Green Neighborhood” designation. The 63 Energy Star- and Indoor airPLUS-certified dwellings from Ryan Homes will feature rain barrels, energy-efficient appliances, and a solar-powered community center.
Howard County’s new Green Neighborhood program checklist mandates a variety of environmentally responsible measures, such as open green space provisions, water conservation management, minimal-impact construction materials, energy-efficient products, and advanced ventilation techniques. The Greens at Locust Chapel, developed by Ellicott City-based Land Design & Development, will be certified by independent environmental engineering firm Patuxent Environmental Group.
Sustainable features of the development will include:
–Rain barrels sized to treat a 1-inch rain event (available on 36 homes). Water collected by the barrels can be re-used for gardens and lawn and will help reduce stormwater runoff.
–Timers on all exterior lights.
–Permeable sidewalks and driveways to reduce erosion from rainwater runoff.
–Site design around the natural grade of the site to reduce the amount of disturbance to natural land areas and grading.
–Infrastructure materials sourced from recycled materials located within 200 miles of the site to reduce the amount of transit needed to bring materials to the site.
–A construction waste management plan that includes recycling.
–Reusing trees that need to be cleared for mulching a neighborhood trail.
–A community windmill and garden.
The homes, priced from the $520s, will be offered in several models in sizes up to four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Amenities include a two-car garage, GE appliances, 42-inch Timberlake kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, and ceramic tiled baths. Pre-construction sales are under way, and the community’s model home is expected to open this fall.
Jennifer Goodman is Senior Editor Online for EcoHome.
