National publication names Best Green-Built Neighborhoods


Topeka, Kan. (Vocus) April 27, 2010

Just in time for the spring real-estate season, Natural Home magazine released its list of Americas best green-built neighborhoods. The 10 planned communities, recognized for their commitment to green building practices and the promotion of sustainable living, are featured in the May-June issue, on newsstands now.


Mueller, Austin, Texas: More than 700 families call this former brownfield site home, and use hiking and biking trails, parks and more.
Madison Street, Chattanooga, Tenn.: The citys first LEED-certified homes occupy a formerly dilapidated neighborhood, and use locally harvested and manufactured materials.
Northwest Crossing, Bend, Ore.: All buildings and homes in this 486-acre mixed-use community met Oregons Earth Advantage certification requirements.
Pine Ridge, Ketchum, Idaho: This urban infill project features affordable housing and easy access to bus lines and bike paths.
Prairie Crossing, Grayslake, Ill.: Prairie Crossings 359 units use geothermal, wind and solar energy for power and heat, and the development has a certified organic commercial farm on-site.
Issaquah Highlands, Issaquah, Wash.: Houses in this community meet Built Greens 4-Star efficiency level and run on multiple energy sources.
Mosier Creek, Mosier, Ore.: This LEED Silver- and Earth Advantage-certified neighborhood includes a solar-heated saltwater pool.
Kalahari Harlem, New York: Kalahari features community gardens and green roofs, and residents participate in a car-sharing program.
Garden Atriums of Poquoson, Poquoson, Va.: The developments net-zero homes use solar and closed-loop geothermal systems, and residents share a community composting site and a fruit orchard.
Pringle Creek, Salem, Ore.: These homes use an extensive rainwater-management system, and residents participate in an onsite biodiesel co-op.

Communities like these need to be recognized for their commitment to the environment and the fact that they are making green living affordable and accessible for everyone, says Natural Home Editor in Chief Robyn Griggs Lawrence.

For more on these neighborhoods, visit the Natural Home website at http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/energy-efficiency/americas-top-ten-best-green-built-neighborhoods.aspx.

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