This is the first economy hotel in the nation to obtain LEED certification, according to a recent press release by Accor North America. Located in Northlake near Texas Motor Speedway, the Motel 6 combines European style rooms, modern detailing, and eco-friendly elements while still remaining economic and approachable. The green hotel opened in October 2009 and features some of the following green elements: Thermal solar water heating; Reflective cool roof; Low-E tinted glass windows; Low-energy LED and CFL lighting; High-efficiency…

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This is the first economy hotel in the nation to obtain LEED certification, according to a recent press release by Accor North America. Located in Northlake near Texas Motor Speedway, the Motel 6 combines European style rooms, modern detailing, and eco-friendly elements while still remaining economic and approachable. The green hotel opened in October 2009 and features some of the following green elements: Thermal solar water heating; Reflective cool roof; Low-E tinted glass windows; Low-energy LED and CFL lighting; High-efficiency…

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If you’ve been to Bend, Oregon — smack dab in the center of the state on the dry side — you know it’s a cool place with a ton of outdoor, vacation, and eco-friendly options. That’s why the owners of this vacation rental, Helios NW Eco-House, decided to go ahead and earn LEED Gold certification. It’s actually, according to the owners’ research, the first vacation rental home in the state to receive this level of certification. Helios was designed first…

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With the weather getting warmer, perhaps you’re thinking about a visit to the lake or the local pool with the week coming to an end. If not, check out this ultra luxury home located on the beach near Diamond Head State Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii — it’ll get you thinking. Earlier this year, the home was featured in the Honolulu Star Bulletin and described as being for sale for $6,680,000, but it’s now listed at $5,988,000. The 4,800 square-foot home…

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It seems green homes continue to sell well in these economic times. Last month, two model homes at Mosaic Walk opened to visitors and, with purchase incentives and pricing from the low $300,000, phase one sold out completely. Located in Garden Grove in northern Orange Country, Mosaic Walk has been designed and built for LEED certification. These contemporary green townhomes have water efficient toilets, tankless water heating, low-VOC interior paint, Energy Star appliances, built-in recycling, as well as everything else…

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Recently The Crossing Apartments, a luxury, transit-oriented development seeking LEED Silver certification, opened in Anaheim, California. The project, designed by KTGY Group, Inc., includes 39 live/work units and 312 lofts and one- and two-bedroom units in a contemporary and eco-friendly setting. Green aspects include a cool roof, storm water recapture, energy-efficient windows, water-saving fixtures, high-efficiency dual flush toilets, CFLs, Energy Star appliances, low-VOC paints, low-VOC carpeting made from 100% post-recycled content, a ventilation system, and a community recycling program. Located…

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Already 70% leased, this impressive 66-unit apartment project, Silver Gardens, is the first affordable housing development in New Mexico that has been designed and built to obtain LEED Platinum certification. Located on a reclaimed brownfield near bus and rail access, Silver Gardens boasts some impressive green elements. Silver Gardens was built with superior insulation, low- or no-VOC finishes, FSC-certified wood framing, high efficiency HVAC systems, efficient operable low-E windows, efficient plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances and lighting, and a sloped…

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In the high-end home market, some buyers think buying a green property entails a lot of sacrifice and loss of amenities, but maybe this development in Santa Monica can change some of that. Located minutes from Montana Avenue, 939 Townhomes includes eight luxury green town homes that range in size from 1,853 to 3,009 square feet and in price from about $1,385,000 to $2,229,000. These homes are estimated to be about 50% more efficient than standard new construction. They get…

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