From CNN Money (h/t: Move):

As environmental building becomes more popular, condo developers are selling their “green” credentials to cost and ecology-conscious consumers.

Cost and ecology-conscious consumers are no longer necessarily mutually exclusive. More and more, they go hand-in-hand.

Via a press release yesterday:

… Belvedere, has been accepted into the LEED(R) for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program, which is being conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Belvedere is the first neighborhood in Central Virginia to participate in this new LEED program, which has developed the highest benchmark system for environmentally responsible and sustainable development.
…
The LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green building into the first national rating system for neighborhood design. The rating system will be a tool to help planners and developers create communities that not only protect the environment, but also address important public health issues such as physical activity, traffic accidents, respiratory illnesses, and affordable housing.

Much remains to be seen as to whether Belvedere actually becomes what they promise. More than any other recent development, Belvedere is asking for the public and buyers to trust their vision. I look forward to selling properties in there and doing what I can to hold the developers accountable to their promises. There is a lot of buzz about this development, and I am currently talking to several buyers about Belvedere.

Despite the fact that EnergyStar bar is essentially the bare minimum, (or, “like bragging that you have somewhat fewer STDs than some other people) it’s a start.

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