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EarthCraft Light Commercial
EarthCraft Light Commercial (ECLC) is a regional green building certification program offering third-party recognition for environmentally responsible design and construction practices for small-scale, or “light,” commercial buildings in the Southeast. The program focuses on site planning, energy and water efficiency, building durability, and improved occupant health and productivity. ECLC is best suited for commercial building projects sized 15,000 square feet or less, however projects up to 25,000 square feet may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
EarthCraft Virginia’s newest program is EarthCraft Light Commercial. The Light Commerical program is a performance based program, modeled after the EarthCraft residential program. The EarthCraft Light Commercial program offers third-party recognition of sustainable design and construction practices for small-scale, or “light,” commercial buildings. By working with program staff to achieve EarthCraft Light Commercial certification, facilities save energy, reduce waste, and improve occupant health and productivity.
The EarthCraft Light Commercial program is well-suited to office buildings, retail showrooms, community centers, mixed-use retail, club houses, corner stores, learning centers and churches. The program’s guidelines and points-based worksheet focus on design strategies that conserve energy and water and outline prescriptive measures to enhance on-site builder education and sustainable construction practices. To receive certification, each project must meet inspection and testing requirements. Program administrators offer technical support and guidance throughout planning and construction.
EarthCraft Light Commercial offers an intensive level of support during the design and construction process, focusing on the energy‐ and water‐efficient design strategies specific to smaller commercial buildings, as well as prescriptive measures that enhance builder education on sustainable construction practices.
Program Highlights:
- Affordable program cost (includes project administration, design and pre-construction meetings, site visits and performance testing)
- Technical guidance during project planning, design and construction
- Reduced paperwork through visual field verification and diagnostic testing
- Three levels of certification: Certified, Gold and Platinum
Program Costs:
$6,000 base fee for projects up to 3,000 square feet +$0.50/square foot for additional square footage (over 3,000 square feet)
*Additional travel costs will apply to projects based on project site location.
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