Sustainable North Philly Building Named “Project of the Year” by U.S. Green Building Council

Plus, a look at Pennsylvania's current footprint of LEED for Homes.

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It seems there’s always more that can be done when it comes to efforts intended to make a city more sustainable, but it goes without saying Philadelphia has really been trying. One development in particular got its due credit earlier this week, we’re happy to report.

On Tuesday the U.S. Green Building Council announced the winners of its LEED for Homes Awards, which recognizes those trailblazing the way for innovation in residential green building. In addition to developers and homebuilders counting as recipients, multi- and single-family residential and affordable housing projects are also considered, according to a press release.

Among this year’s seven winners is the Paseo Verde apartment complex in North Philadelphia, which was crowned “Project of the Year.” The development, which first broke ground next to Temple University Station in February 2012, is a mixed-use, mixed-income building with LEED Platinum certification and consists of 120 rental units, landscaped terraces, green roofs and community service space. Paseo Verde also includes photovoltaic solar panels and energy efficient building envelope and water heating systems, among other sustainable features.

This is the project’s 8th award. Previously, it received the Willard G. Rouse Award for Excellence by the Philadelphia Chapter of the Urban Land Institute; an Honor Award from the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects; and the Regional Excellence Award for the Regional Land Use Project of the Year from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, among others.

“The places we call home are where we feel safe and where we come together as families and friends. These leaders are working to make our homes more sustainable, healthier and happier living environments, setting an example for what is possible in green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC in the press release. “I commend the commitment and leadership in sustainable building from these recipients.”

Below, a look at Pennsylvania’s current footprint of LEED for Homes.

This post has been updated to reflect that Paseo Verde has been recognized eight times.