by Sharon Patterson, Chair of the USGBC Idaho Chapter
The USGBC Idaho Chapter is proud to announce the acceptance of three Idaho projects into the USGBC LEED® for Neighborhood Development Pilot Program, which is a rating system that integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national standard for neighborhood design. All three projects involve USGBC Idaho Chapter board members, as principals or LEED AP design professionals, or both.
Regarding the strong Idaho showing in the LEED-ND pilot program, Idaho Chapter President Steve Benner stated, “These projects will provide valuable feedback to the USGBC, enabling us to revise the rating system and improve its effectiveness and applicability to the marketplace.”
Aldeia at Water’s Edge, located in Kuna, is a 68-acre community that will comprise a wide range of housing choices and price points, including single-family homes with front porches and alley access. Amenities will include a community church, charter school, lake, retail stores, restaurants, an authentic YMCA with daycare, offices and a biofuel station. “Sustainable practices evident will be solar lot orientation, low impact stormwater strategies and a commitment to LEED for Homes and Energy Star certifications,” said architect Sherry McKibben, LEED AP, of McKibben + Cooper Architects/Urban Design. Many homes will have solar power, small wind power, ground source heat pumps and other alternative energy systems.
Meadow Ranch is the first community in Coeur d’Alene for active adults, age 55 and better. It will offer a variety of living choices, home sizes and pricing for those seeking an active lifestyle in a secure community within walking distance of many neighborhood amenities. This 12-acre, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood will feature a preserved dairy barn, clubhouse, spa, pool, exercise facility and walking trails. According to Dennis Cunningham, president of ActiveWest, the developer of Meadow Ranch, “By following LEED principles we can offer healthier, more energy-efficient homes that revitalize an existing urban area and help preserve our environment.”
Aspen Hollow is a multiunit, residential infill development located within walking distance of downtown Boise. It will offer amenities such as access to trails, community gardens, walking/biking paths and significant open space. The homes will be designed to maximize green building principles, and the project will tie into the dynamic nature of the site’s surroundings and environment as a whole. “We are excited to be a part of this program and have the opportunity to participate in the refinement of a rating system that will encourage environmentally responsible development,” commented architect Andy Erstad, LEED AP, of erstad ARCHITECTS.
