The Sustainability Guidelines apply primarily to performance of the individual homes in Larch Park. It is important, however, that they are not read isolation as there and many sustainable design principles addressed in the Architecture and Landscape sections and much of the Area Specific guidelines address sustainable issues relevant to individual lots.
Ambitious and Flexible
As developers, we are taking a number of steps to create a more environmentally intelligent subdivision: a smart division, if you will. To truly succeed, we require the commitment of builders and individual homeowners.
We recognize that there are many interpretations of what constitutes a “green” or “sustainable” building. For example, you may be interested in energy performance. Another builder may prioritize indoor air quality. Another may prefer to maximize recycled content.
Consequently, Larch Park’s Sustainability Guidelines are ambitious, but flexible.
Ahead you’ll find the requirements for single-family, semi-detached homes and row homes. In the future, we will add the requirements for multifamily homes.
Required Environmental Performance
To this end, all builders at Larch Park will be required to design their houses and obtain an approved rating via any one of the following verification systems:
- BuiltGreen Gold, with a minimum Energuide rating of 80,
- LEED for Homes Gold, with a minimum Energuide rating of 80,
- R2000 with a minimum Energuide rating of 80,
OR - Achieve an Energuide rating of 87.
Click here for a summary of these rating systems.
Construction Process
Construction Waste Management / Recycling
Builders will be required to participate in a construction waste management program established by the developer.
Appearance During Construction
Lots shall remain clean and orderly before and during construction. Builders found noncompliant will be back charged for all clean-up carried out by the developer.
Silt Fences
The installation of silt fences in some areas during construction may be required.
Sharing of Information
Education
The developer intends to bring in speakers from time to time, to provide information on sustainable building practices and to provide a forum for the builders to share techniques and experiences.
While these will generally be targeted to Larch Park builders, there may be occasions where these are open to the public.
Sustainability and Energy Models
Builders will be required to submit to the developer specifications and energy performance models of their homes. This information will be kept confidential but will be used to develop aggregate energy savings data and benchmarks for the community as a whole.