Vote for the LEED Homes Awards Project of the Year
On June 20, USGBC announced the recipients of the 2018 LEED Homes Awards, which celebrates residential projects, developers and builders using LEED to improve quality of life and create healthier and more resilient communities.
This year, for the first time, USGBC is opening up voting for the Project of the Year—the winner will be selected as "people’s choice." Project of the Year recognizes a LEED-certified project for outstanding performance in the LEED rating system and for particular innovation above and beyond the scope, requirements and prerequisites of LEED.
The online poll is now open. Learn more about each of the finalists and vote for your favorite project below. Voting will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on June 28, and the winner will be announced in July.
The LEED Homes Awards finalists
CAMBA Gardens Phase II, Brooklyn, New York
By repurposing underutilized hospital property, CAMBA Gardens Phase II provides housing and comprehensive health care services for low-income individuals and families. Built by CAMBA Housing Ventures, Inc., this project employs energy-efficient features like Energy Star appliances, low-flow plumbing features and high-efficacy lighting—all of which contribute to a 22 percent savings over the ASHRAE 90.1-2007 baseline.
Casa Feliz, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Casa Feliz is an affordable urban infill project with 89 units, spread out over 12 sites in the International District of Albuquerque. Built by the Greater Albuquerque Housing Partnership, the project is reserved for families and individuals with income levels at 30 to 60 percent of the area median household income. Some of its sustainability features include Energy Star appliances and 100 percent permeable landscaping surface that allows efficient irrigation and water use reduction.
El Camino Real Apartments, Hatch, New Mexico
To prove that housing can both be affordable and address climate risks, El Camino Real Apartments looked to LEED. Built by Cresline Buildings and Thomas Development, these apartments sit on a floodplain. The design is intended to reduce utility costs for residents, improve air quality and protect against stormwater events, which have previously cost the small village millions.
Holt Residence, Providence, Rhode Island
The 100-year-old, LEED Platinum Holt Residence makes a strong statement that no matter the condition, location or age of a home, it can be healthy, sustainable and high-performing when carefully redesigned. From the absence of harmful VOCs in building materials to the 1,000-gallon cistern rainwater capture system used for landscape irrigation, the details behind this project make for a major sustainability achievement.
Keauhou Lane, Honolulu, Hawaii
Part of a new neighborhood in the heart of Honolulu, Keauhou Lane helps address the critical need for affordable housing in the one of the nation’s most expensive cities. Verde, the sustainability consultant, helped the LEED Platinum project overcame hurdles with construction waste and material sourcing within an urban island environment. Built by Gerding Edlen, it operates 17 percent more efficiently than a comparable building, and its solar-powered hot water system meets 40 percent of the building’s load.
Kottinger Gardens Phase 1, Pleasanton, California
Kottinger Gardens was intentionally designed to reflect what was already important to the neighborhood—helping residents feel connected and capable. Built by MidPen Housing, Phase 1 of this project provides senior residents access to community amenities, walking paths and outdoor spaces, all within affordable housing price limits. This active and healthy community also includes sustainability features like PV solar panels, high-efficiency windows and Energy Star appliances, to help reduce environmental impact./p>
Owen Residence, Little Rock, Arkansas
Built by River Rock Builders, the Owen Residence is a dream project for owners Ann and Rick Owen, who wanted to build the healthiest and most sustainable home possible. In March 2018, their home achieved LEED Platinum status with sustainability features like 42 PV solar panels, which provide all the energy needed to power the 2,662-square-foot house and two vehicles, greatly reducing the home's carbon footprint.
Silverman Residence, George Town, Cayman Islands
True to the Caymanian lifestyle, the Silverman Residence was designed to be a place that brings people together and offers beautiful scenery. Using a cost-effective envelope, the project team was able to invest more in sustainability features, including rainwater capture. Because the island is prone to hurricanes, this home is equipped to store nearly 20,000 gallons of rainwater that can be filtered for human consumption in an emergency situation.
Ten at Clarendon, Arlington, Virginia
Built by CRC Companies LLC, Ten at Clarendon achieved LEED Platinum certification for sustainability features that also serve as amenities for tenants. These features include a rooftop garden where tenants can harvest produce, which encourages time outside and organic food consumption. The property also has bicycle storage and a bike repair shop, which encourage alternative transportation, thus lowering emission rates.
The Albany Damien Center, Albany, New York
After a devastating fire that destroyed the original project, the Albany Damien Center was able to rebuild and achieve LEED Gold status. The Albany Damien Center supports some of New York’s most vulnerable residents—chronically homeless people and families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Some sustainability features include low-flow fixtures to reduce water use, LED lighting to lower energy consumption and radon-resistant materials used in construction.
The Element House, Sarasota, Florida
The Element House embraces minimalism and high performance, focusing on natural and passive systems. Key features include 100 percent automated LED lighting, on-site rainwater collection, and scores within the top 1 percent of all Energy Star homes. Built by NWC Construction, the LEED Platinum home also targets net zero energy, marrying technique with advanced engineering to create a truly sustainable residence.
The Harlo, Boston, Massachusetts
The Harlo is a LEED Gold multifamily development in the heart of Fenway, featuring stylish city living and contemporary comfort. Built by Skanska, with architecture by Stantec and interior design from Mark Zeff, the residences are a highly sought-after component of a vibrant neighborhood.
The Salvation Army Donald and Priscilla Hunt Apartments, Bell, California
Located on the campus of The Salvation Army’s Bell Shelter, the Donald and Priscilla Hunt Apartments provide 64 individuals who have formerly experienced homelessness—many of whom are veterans—a lasting and nurturing place to live. The LEED Gold project was designed with durability and comfort in mind, with design strategies that included daylighting, energy-efficient fixtures, a cool roof, solar power and low-flow water fixtures.
Trellis House, Washington, D.C.
Trellis House is the first LEED Platinum multifamily midrise project completed in Washington, D.C., and it addresses community needs on many levels. Built by RISE Real Estate, the mixed-income, mixed-use project is located in the vibrant neighborhood surrounding Howard University. Green features include proximity to transportation, energy- and water-efficient strategies, local materials and high-performance ventilation.
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