Landis Homes Awarded LEED Project of the Year

Landis Homes’ South Campus Expansion Project has been awarded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Project of the Year at the 2012 ForeverGreen Awards Gala, hosted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Central PA Chapter. The design and construction team consisted of RGS Associates, RLPS Architects and Benchmark Construction Company, Inc. LEED commissioning was coordinated by Studio3volve and ecological restoration efforts were led by LandStudies. This project originally achieved LEED Gold status in August 2012 and has now gone on to receive additional accolades and recognition.

According to Linford Good of Landis Homes, “the team of RGS, RLPS and Benchmark worked together to promote environmentally-responsible low impact development through LEED certification and other programs that guide and verify system performance.”

The South Campus expansion project currently consists of one set of ‘hybrid’ homes (25 residences offer the best of cottage and apartment style living) and 42 independent living cottages. Future expansion continues to progress. Gregg Scott, Partner at RLPS Architects shared that “Landis Homes’ unwavering commitment is a
testament to the value of designing to a higher standard of care when it comes to sustainability.”

This project achieved LEED Gold certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies applying ecological restoration and low impact development techniques. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

Mark Hackenburg, Principal with RGS, noted that “Since the inception of this project, Landis Homes has shown a commitment to environmental stewardship and using their existing resources wisely. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the team that assisted in making the dream for this community a reality.”

Project Features Include:

  • Geothermal mechanical system
  • High performance windows
  • Increased insulation
  • Ultra low-flow fixtures
  • Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses (car washing, irrigation, etc.)
  • Porous paving
  • Enhancement of ecological systems (Streams, floodplain, woodlands, open spaces)
  • Groundwater recharge and filtration systems to manage storm water runoff

“It’s a privilege to work for an owner who has such great vision,” states Mike Callahan, President of Benchmark Construction. “The collaboration of the partners on this project allowed us to exceed expectations and achieve this prestigious award.”

For more information on this project go to: http://www.landishomes.org/Home/Sections/Living_Choices/Residential_Living_Expansion