EarthCraft Multifamily

EarthCraft Multifamily is the country’s first multifamily-specific green building program. It addresses both newly constructed multifamily projects and renovations. The result is Multifamily communities that are healthy operationally cost effective, as well as energy, water and resource efficient. In addition, each EarthCraft Multifamily unit has its own dedicated fresh-air intake for optimum indoor air quality.

The Multifamily Program provides certifications for both low-rise and mid-rise projects, with construction programs designed for new construction, renovation, historic preservation and adaptive re-use. The Multifamily program addresses a wide range of sustainability issues, including environmental performance, indoor air quality, building durability, comfort and affordability. The EarthCraft Multifamily program addresses these concerns at the unit level and for the community as a whole.

This is accomplished through a step-by-step process molded to each developer and their project team’s needs. EarthCraft Virginia works with the project team throughout the construction process to ensure the project is meeting all program criteria. The EarthCraft Multifamily program utilizes a HERS rating, program guidelines, points-based worksheet, site visits and diagnostic testing to verify that each project complies with program standards and current green building best practices. Project teams work with an EarthCraft staff member and Technical Advisor, who will provide support in meeting program criteria from the design phase through all phases of construction.

In order to begin the process all projects must submit:

• A set of scalable plans for review (including site plan, architectural, mechanical, and plumbing drawings), project information sheet, construction spec sheet, Load Calculations (Manual J or equivalent) and all other relevant information available (links to these resources)
• Completed points worksheet
• This information will be used to develop energy models; to ensure the project is meeting the minimum energy efficiency requirements.
• Following this plan review and preliminary energy modeling a design charrette will be held with project stakeholders and EarthCraft Virginia staff.

Affordable Housing in the EarthCraft Multifamily Program:

Since its inception, EarthCraft has dispelled the myth that “green costs too much.” The EarthCraft program takes a practical approach to constructing environmentally responsible projects, making them accessible to a variety of market sectors, including affordable housing. EarthCraft assures energy and water savings, healthier indoor air quality, and reduced maintenance and utility costs – attributes that are critical to moderate and lower income residents. Through its affordable housing work, EarthCraft ensures that the benefits of green building reach those who need them the most.

Since 2006, EarthCraft has been incorporated into the state Qualified Allocation Plans in both Virginia and Maryland. Through these programs, affordable housing developers are able incentivized with additional funding to promote sustainable, affordable developments.

New Construction

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Renovation

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Historic Preservation/Adaptive Re-use

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VHDA/QAP

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