The Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US Green Building Council Awards Local Chevy Chase Home the First LEED® Platinum
Certification in Montgomery County

March 16th, 2010 – (Chevy Chase, MD) Today, The Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase, at 5133 Fairglen Lane was awarded LEED Platinum certification by the USGBC for achievement in green homebuilding and design. The Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase is one of 2 homes in the state of Maryland that have been certified Platinum using LEED for Homes, and is the first in Montgomery County.

The home has also received an Emerald rating through the NAHB’s National Green Building Standard (NGBS), making it the first home in the nation to receive both LEED Platinum and NGBS Emerald.

LEED for Homes is a green home certification program that rewards homes designed and built to be energy- and resource-efficient and more healthy and durable for the occupants. LEED-certified homes complete a technically rigorous process that often includes a home energy rating (HERS) and onsite inspections to verify that the home is built to be energy and water efficient, environmentally sound, and a healthier place to live.

The Incredibly Green Home of Chevy Chase was built by Bethesda Bungalows, which is known for their expertise in building smaller, upscale green homes. Through their commitment to green homebuilding, Bethesda Bungalows is helping to drive innovation among the local building community.

Peter Guida, owner of Bethesda Bungalows said, “Achieving both certifications is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and subcontractors. Going through the process has catapulted our homes to the cutting edge of building science, and our future customers will benefit immensely from the lessons we’ve learned.”

“As a LEED-certified home, The Incredibly Green Home serves as a model of greener living for the entire community,” said Nate Kredich, Vice President of Residential Market Development for the USGBC. “The home sets the example that we can all live better by reducing our environmental footprint, cutting our utility bills, and coming home to a greener place to live.”

Located less than a mile from Downtown Bethesda, 5133 Fairglen Lane is within walking distance of public transportation, shops and other conveniences. The home’s unique design focuses heavily on reducing energy use. The five bedroom project features a ground loop geothermal HVAC system, low-e argon windows, a 1.75Kw grid-tied photovoltaic solar system, LED recessed lighting and spray foam insulation. Other energy efficiency upgrades include an insulated foundation, an energy recovery ventilator, and an outlet for an electric vehicle. As a result of incorporating energy saving products and technologies, 5133 Fairglen Lane has achieved a 41 Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score.

Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, recycled fiber carpet, bamboo and recycled glass countertops, cork flooring and Forest Stewardship Council-certified hardwood flooring have been used throughout the house.

The home is also EPA Indoor airPLUS and EnergyStar certified.

Click here for our Green Features Guide of the home. This brochure walks you through a self-guided tour of the home.

Click here for a Virtual Tour of the home.