I recently listed the first certified green, multi-unit development in the Beach Cities just outside of LAX. The builder chose to work aggressively within the Build It Green program and is nearing it's Green Point Rated certification. This has been an interesting project to market because it goes beyond being the gorgeous, custom, ocean view home you would expect in this area. Also because of the public's heightened awareness of all things "green", our team has dug in deep to learn just what it is that makes these homes such a smart buy.

Our marketing department literally had to digest over 100 pages from the Build It Green manual so that we were educated and ready to bring these homes to market with as much information available as possible. Prior to even obtaining the listing, our marketing team took a sampling of public knowledge, expectations and understanding of Green home ownership and turned up some very interesting results, such as establishing that over 73.7% of those polled believe that making a concerted effort to "go green" is important to buyers today. We also found that 72.3% polled believe that their decision to purchase a new home would be strongly influenced by the availability of "green" homes listed in current inventory--buyers would strongly consider the cost benefits and value built into a "green" home over that of a traditional home.

Hermosa Pointe Homes is a brand new townhome project being built by Urban Pointe Development, an acclaimed local development firm recognized for its reputation built on the quality and value of the homes they bring to the community. Urban Pointe Development is a member of Build It Green and through this program the project is working to become the first Green Point Rated  multi-family project of its kind in the Beach Cities.

Urban Pointe designed the homes to meet rigorous, environmentally-sound standards while also providing a "green" home that has the look and feel of a more traditional home. Henry Ruggeri, Vice President of Project Management says, "We thought it necessary to build a home for the individual or family seeking the benefits of an environmentally friendly residence, but who also wanted a more traditional feel to their home.  Our aim is to show people that ‘green' doesn't have to be a contemporary or urban styled design. These homes were built with a concern for the global environment while providing a comfortable private environment to enjoy the outstanding ocean views."

The project has met and exceeded CA Title 24 minimum of 15% by 21% to as much as 25% above the CA required minimum, and at least 50% of construction and demolition waste has been recycled.

Each custom home features the following features that either meet or exceed current green building practices for lifestyle enhancement or conservation practices in the categories of:

Hermosa Pointe Homes proudly boast:

Water conserving fixtures
Sensory lighting for energy conservation
Low-volatile/organic adhesives and interior paint
Carpets made of recycled materials
"Cool Roof" coating on rooftops
Energy Star rated appliances
Domestic, farmed hardwood flooring
Floor plans designed to maximize natural light and cross ventilation
SunCoat MAX enhanced low-E windows
AquaTherm/Hydronic coil heating system
Merv6 air filters
Concrete fibercement board exterior
Formaldehyde Free insulation
Dual peepholes in door
All main entrances are visible from the street
Landscaped with drought tolerant plants
Low flow sprinklers
Hydrozoned planting
Cool site walkways
30% or more recycled materials in concrete
Value engineered framing
Prewired for ceiling fans in all rooms
Individual water meters
Built in interior recycling collection
Environmentally preferable materials for interior finishes
Durable cabinets
Rain & waste water diversion system
Conduit has been provided & space planned for onsite electricity generation

You can learn more about the project at http://HermosaPointeHomes.com. Expected completion is Summer 2009, but the 1st model will be released by month's end. We are currently booking private tours while still under construction and the interest list is rapidly filling.