Featuring homes with Austin Energy's Green Building Program 5-Star Rating and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes Gold Certification.

Green is more than skin-deep at Bella Vita. Before the first shovel went in the ground, years of planning resulted in a site plan and home designs unrivaled for conservation, energy efficiency, and livability. From the first site sketch to the last construction detail, everything about Bella Vita has been designed to enhance health, comfort and economy for you and your neighbors. Sustainable construction practices — including recycling nearly 100% of the native materials on-site and 80% of construction waste— have been employed throughout, resulting in a truly green community that is not only environmentally responsible, but also healthier and more economical. Green building lowers heating and cooling costs, conserves water, and reduces Home Owner Association fees.

Upon completion, each unit will apply for certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Program. (LEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council). In addition, each home will be inspected and certified by Austin’s Green Building Program. As of May 2008, all completed Bella Vita units have received a 5-star Rating and Gold Certification. All future construction will be dedicated to the highest green building standards.

Here are the green features and practices, taken directly from the Green Building Program checklist, that make a Bella Vita home healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to operate.

• Home design allows a minimum of 500 sq. ft. of living space per ton of cooling, calculated by correct Manual J, based on actual site orientation, plans and specifications
• Cooling equipment specified and installed matches sizing as determined by Manual J
• Cooling equipment minimum efficiency: 14.0 SEER for split systems
• Duct leakage no greater than 10%, as verified by a direct-pressure test, performed by approved 3rd party
• Pleated –media filters installed in heating and cooling system
• No unvented gas logs, fireplaces, or heaters installed
• Air barriers installed on attic side of knee-wall insulation and on interior side of insulation behind tubs, showers and fireplaces located on exterior walls
• Fluorescent lights (compact or tube) installed in a minimum of 5 light fixtures
• Ceiling fans: minimum of 2 installed
• Low VOC interior wall and ceiling paint: maximum VOC level of 150 grams per liter
• Minimum of 2 toilets selected from current Austin Water Conservation Program Rebate list
• Current City of Austin IRC, IECC Codes and Amendments must be met, regardless of project location (including prohibition of electric water heaters)

*Taken directly from the Green Building Program Single Family Rating Submittal & Inspections Form.