Southern Development
Article from EarthCraft Virginia’s 2013 Summer Newsletter
by Paigh Bumgarner, Residential Green Building Associate
Proud new homeowners are absorbing the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their EarthCraft Certified home, located beautifully atop Pantop Mountain in Charlottesville, VA. Southern Development Homes is steadily and skillfully cranking out these new construction townhomes. The energy efficiency of the townhomes met by achieving EarthCraft certification, in addition to the stunning qualities of homes’ interior and the surrounding nature, makes this project exceptional.
Not only are 90% of the townhomes EarthCraft Certified, but they also tout an average HERS rating of 60-70! Keeping sustainability and energy efficiency as a top priority, the units include the following features: 95-96% efficient furnaces, 15 SEER AC, 9.0 HSPF heat pumps and 2.4 EF Energy Star heat pump water heaters. These remarkable homes boast many energy efficient appliances to include, but not limited to, Energy Star dishwashers, EPA WaterSense labeled faucets and toilets, and Energy Star bath fans. Townhomes falling within the Charlottesville city limits will receive a property tax rate reduction of 50% for one year for their EarthCraft certification.
Recognition goes out to Southern Development Homes for bringing Charlottesville and the surrounding county a community that is not only picturesque, but energy efficient and environmentally conscious designed.
Builder: Southern Development Homes EarthCraft Technical Advisor: John Semmelhack & Aaron Johnson