 The Issaquah Urban Village is a model community that thrives on two basic ideas: community and sustainability. Located in Issaquah, Washington, the Issaquah Urban Village was unique to EnviroCitizen.org because it combines a convenient, urban lifestyle with parks, open space, trails and forest. The Issaquah Urban Village promotes pedestrian and alternative transportation, as well as a friendly community where residents can live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The Issaquah Urban Village was designed and is operated by the following principles: sustainability, pedestrian-friendly design, diversity, community values, civic celebration through public amenities, a local context, contribution to the good of the region, stewardship, vitality, flexibility and collaboration. They aim to provide a community that supports learning, living, working, playing and nurturing. Residents of the Issaquah Urban Village often note how friendly their neighbors are. New residents tell stories about how, after ten minutes in their new home, neighbors come with bottles of wine and cookies in hand to welcome them. It's more than just neighbor-friendly; the Issaquah Urban Village is eco-friendly, too!
The Issaquah Urban Village has many amazing green features. Each development within the Village uses water management systems to allow rainwater to percolate into groundwater. Slow-release, organic fertilizers are used in all of the gardens on the premises. Solar photovoltaic systems dot the roofs of the community while heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are Energy Star rated. Energy Star certifications can be found throughout the homes, which boast energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
The Issaquah Urban Village has been sustainable and green from the beginning! During the construction process, jobsite waste was recycled; including wood, metal scraps, drywall, concrete and packaging. Many of the construction materials used were actually made from recycled content. Even down the finishing touches, the construction of this community remained eco-conscious. For example, the homes were finished with zero volatile organic compound (VOC) paints. The Issaquah Urban Village just recently finished their multi-family housing project, zHome, which is the first project of its kind in the country that is carbon neutral. zHome is a net-zero energy project and uses 60% less water than other homes. zHome demonstrates how cutting-edge environmental building principles are possible for the average home.
The Issaquah Urban Village has been given numerous awards, including the Green Hammer award for Outstanding Built Green community in 2006 as well as the Green Pioneer award from the Master Builder Association. The Issaquah Urban Village was developed by Port Blakely Communities, a company that put a great deal of worth on environmental stewardship. Sustainability is, without a doubt, the core value at the Issaquah Urban Village. EnviroCitizen.org believes that The Issaquah Urban Village is a perfect example of how we, as average individuals, can continue to thrive in green homes without sacrificing our needs and wants.
|
