Around Town

Green Home Claims Arlington’s First Gold Certification

Given the potential for stringent new energy efficiency requirements for new and renovated homes in Arlington, you may be wondering what such a “green” house would look like.

The answer: something like this.

Local builder Arlington Designer Homes is showing off this custom-built house on North Underwood Street today, after it received Arlington’s first Gold-level Green Building Certification from the National Association of Home Builders.

According to the builder, this is only the sixth house in Virginia to receive Gold-level certification.

It’s 45 percent more energy efficient than a standard new home, thanks to a solar water heater, Energy Star appliances, and spray-in foam installation. It was built using environmentally-friendly construction techniques and is sealed from outside pollutants and allergens.

Family-owned Arlington Designer Homes says they’re now busy building two new green homes in Falls Church.