 EnviroCitizen.org is always looking for new, exciting, eco-friendly communities to research and become better acquainted with. Pringle Creek Community is one such community that recently caught our attention.
Pringle Creek Community is one of the most sustainable communities in the United States. Located in Salem, Oregon, it has received many awards, including Second Place for Public Works/Infrastructure Top Projects by the Daily Journal of Commerce, Excellence in Concrete by the Oregon Chapter of the American Concrete Institute, First Place in the Asphalt Paving Association of Oregon annual awards and the Energy Value Housing Award. Pringle Creek Community was featured in the Natural Home Top Ten list in Natural Home Magazine and was the winner of the Green Development of the Year award by the National Association of Home Builders.
During the construction process, more than 80% of the existing trees were preserved. The existing creek and wetlands were also preserved and enhanced. Pringle Creek Community boasts a unique green street system that allows almost all of the rainwater to filter through to the aquifer. The homes were all constructed with 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified lumber. During the construction process, contractors reused hundreds of tons of concrete, wood and steel. And to top it all off, heavy equipment and construction vehicles were all fueled with bio-diesel.
Many of the homes in Pringle Creek Community are entirely zero-net energy homes and the community is currently considering the use of geothermal energy. Homes in Pringle Creek Community also exceed both Energy Star and Earth Advantage standards. Some homes even feature green or living roofs. Every detail of this community is green. The local transit system stops at the entrance of the Community and Flower Power Bio-Diesel Co-Op is in the process of creating an on-site facility for a community car-sharing program.
Pringle Creek Community is committed to sustainability. They are guided by six principles: building efficiency through green building, celebrating the natural environment, encouraging social diversity, stimulating local economy, conserving and reusing natural materials and smart transportation/movement. They have eliminated their impact on the local watershed and involve local developers, builders, contractors and architects. They capture and store rainwater and integrate composting into their community garden. Practically everything about Pringle Creek Community truly is eco-friendly. Pringle Creek Community also has a Village Center, which hosts a farmer’s market, stores, restaurants and community meetings.
Pringle Creek Community is still growing. There is still undeveloped land that future residents can build on. One of the great things about this community, aside from its commitment to sustainability, is the fact that they want to consist of residents that will foster a strong, diverse community. Pringle Creek Community is an amazing example of the wonders that can take place within a truly sustainable community that does not sacrifice human needs and comfort for a green way of life. EnviroCitizen.org looks forward to continuing to watch this community grow and flourish, as they most assuredly will!
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