As we started to walk the land that will be the future home of Three Groves Eco-village, the prospect of an environmentally sound developed community brought some thoughts to mind. In conversation with friends the night before, who are not knowledgeable of LEED, we started on the subject of what it would mean to them to live here.
I explained to them that the community itself embodies a respect for a number of things near to our hearts. Not only is the community built with regard for its own land, but that of its surroundings. It has a harmony with the wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, something that my friends found very attractive. What will be nice is that you can sit back and watch the stars at night, and actually see them. As it is constructed, it not only meets the local zoning ordinances, but thru achieving LEED as a guideline, exceeds it on many levels. It looks to allow water infiltration back to the ground and the surrounding stream, thru the use of materials that expedites this process (unlike paved parking lots that create runoff). The construction practices will return debris to the recycling centers, where it will be better for the environment.
The homes themselves will surround you with comfortable features such as good air quality, well insulated walls, windows, doors and floors. Most importantly, it will be energy efficient. They will use solar panels to harness the sun, in essence, “free” electricity. This means, no utility bills...also known as “net zero energy”. (Something that I was excited about, as I have an all electric home and the high bills to go with it)!
The Eco-Village itself will be a community within a community.You can co-exist with neighbors who embody the same ideals and where you children can roam safely. It is looking to have a community center for central gatherings and a space for the gardener in all of us.
As I explained this to them, the anticipation of such a community took on a life of its own. They could see the possibilities of such a place to live.
The excitement is that it is here, in our own backyard.
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