Maryland Multifamily Project First to be NGBS Silver Certified

By Dees Stribling, Contributing Editor

Odenton, Md.–The Haven at Odenton Gateway, a 252-unit apartment development in Odenton, Md., that opened in April, has obtained a National Green Building Standard silver certification for a multifamily project. It’s the first development in the state of Maryland to earn such a certification.

The property, which was developed by Johnson Development Associates of Spartanburg, S.C., features enhanced storm-water treatment; native landscaping selections; low-volume irrigation system; and an on-site recycling facility. In terms of energy-efficiency, it sports high efficiency windows, lighting and HVAC, insulation and air-sealing, as well as Energy Star appliances.

Johnson Development also developed the first multifamily property in Virginia to win a NGBS certification, the Haven at Celebrate Virginia. According to Ben Graves, president of the multifamily division at Johnson Development, a major factor in pursuing certification for these buildings was the residents, who expressed interest in environmental conservation and energy savings.

The National Association of Home Builders and the International Code Council created the National Green Building Standard in 2007. It defines green building for single- and multifamily homes, residential remodeling projects and site development projects. Also, according to those organizations, the standard still allows for the flexibility required for regionally appropriate best green practices.

There are four NGBS threshold levels: bronze, silver, gold, and emerald. At the emerald level, for example, the highest rating for a residential green building, a building must incorporate energy savings of 60 percent or more. Besides energy efficiency, builders also receive points toward certification for lot and site development; water efficiency; indoor environmental quality; and home owner education.