The Whitfield is registered with the certification goal of LEED Gold

Do you view the world through a lens of connectedness?
Do you look for ways to live in harmony with the environment?
Are you making a conscious effort to avoid allergens and toxins?
Would you like to lower your utility bills?
Do you seek a lifestyle that is ecologically sustainable for the long term?
At The Whitfield, you can live true to your philosophy and minimize your footprint on the environment.

LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a green building certification program, established in 1994 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Recognizing best-in-class building strategies and practices, LEED certification is recognized across the globe as the premier mark of achievement in green building.

As a first step toward LEED Green Building Certification, Gaslight Property has registered The Whitfield with the U.S. Green Building Council to achieve LEED Certification.

The Whitfield has been constructed with special attention to five primary areas related to human and environmental health. Those key areas include: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental air quality.

Sustainable site development activities include things such as assessing a site for environmental issues prior to construction, pollution prevention during construction, protecting or restoring habitats, including open space and places of respite in site planning, rainwater management, light pollution reduction, and direct exterior access.

Water savings initiatives are addressed holistically, and ensure efficient indoor and outdoor water use as well as water metering for ongoing monitoring to ensure continued efficiency.

Energy efficiency efforts include optimal weatherizing and insulation, installation of high-performance mechanical systems and appliances, high-efficiency infrastructure such as street lighting, and ongoing automation, monitoring and adjusting to ensure best performance results.

Careful selection of materials ensures hazardous chemicals and other toxins are avoided or reduced whenever possible. It also includes the storage and collection of recyclables, efficient application of materials, which reduces waste. It also involves choosing renewable resources when possible, and using paints, finishes and coatings with lower emissions and fumes for better air quality.

Indoor environmental air quality efforts include naturally and mechanically ventilated spaces, minimized and controlled entry of pollutants into the building. It also includes tobacco smoke control measures, carbon dioxide monitoring, particle filters and aircleaning devices. Air quality performance is continuously monitored to ensure adherence to standards.

The attention we give to these areas translates to better health, happiness and quality of life for our residents.

How does a building get LEED Certified?

To receive LEED certification, building projects satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification. Prerequisites and credits differ for each rating system, and teams choose the best fit for their project.

LEED-certified buildings are:

• Constructed to be energy-efficient, ensuring that the home can be comfortably heated and cooled with minimal energy usage;
• Individually tested to minimize envelope and ductwork leakage;
• Designed to minimize indoor and outdoor water usage;
• Predicted to use an estimated 30 to 60% less energy than a comparable home built to International Energy Conservation Code.

Learn more about the LEED Certification program by visiting the U.S. Green Building Council.

What are green building products?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines green building materials as products that:

• Efficiently use energy, water, and other resources
• Protect occupant health and improve employee productivity
• Reduce waste, pollution and environmental degradation

For example, green buildings may incorporate sustainable materials in their construction (e.g., reused, recycled-content, or materials made from renewable resources); create healthy indoor environments with minimal pollutants (e.g., reduced product emissions); and/or feature landscaping that reduces water usage (e.g., by using native plants that survive without extra watering).

We are proud to provide an eco-conscious, sustainable lifestyle opportunity to our residents.