MNN - Mother Nature Network

 

Earlier this week I wrote about the LEED Platinum certified New World Home in Marietta, GA.  The project is newsworthy on several fronts – it is the first factory built home in the state to achieve Platinum level certification.  It is also the first home, anywhere, to reach the ultimate level of LEED certification without using onsite renewable energy.

 

In addition to receiving LEED Platinum certification, the project owners received an EarthCraft award during Wednesday’s celebration.  EarthCraft House is a regional green building certification system designed for single and multi-unit residential projects.

 

The recreation center in tiny Carbondale, CO has recently received LEED Platinum certification.  The 15,000 square foot facility is the first recreation center in the world to receive the prestigious LEED Platinum certification.

 

“Energy-saving measures include R-19 wall insulation, R-38 roof insulation, occupancy sensors and controlled daylighting to 75 percent of the building. Water-saving features include dual-flush toilets and low-flow fixtures. A wide range of recycled, recyclable and low-VOC materials were chosen, a third of which came from manufacturers within a 500-mile radius, and more than 90 percent of the construction waste was diverted from landfills.”  Source: Athletic Business

 

Eco-products pioneer, Seventh Generation, takes their commitment to sustainability seriously.  Not only does the company manufacture and sell eco-friendly products to the masses, they do so from a green certified office.  The company’s Burlington, Vermont location has received LEED for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Gold certification.  The interiors use locally sourced wood, recycled insulation, VOC-free products, onsite composting and recycling, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.