The Windy Hill Foundation's latest affordable housing project, Levis Hill House, has been certified "green" by EarthCraft Virginia, an independent assessment organization recognized by the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA).

While there are other "green" buildings in the County, Levis Hill House is the first apartment building to be so certified and, as such, continues the traditions of innovation, excellence and accessibility so fundamental to the Windy Hill Foundation.

"Green certification was important enough to us that we started the process before construction was even underway," said Kim Hart, manager of the Windy Hill Development Company.

Architect Bill Turnure supplied plans to EarthCraft, which in turn prepared computer simulations to confirm the design would meet the standards required for certification.

Levis Hill House uses special windows and stucco walls; this not only better insulates the building but reduces air and particulate infiltration. Heating, air-conditioning and ventilation units, in addition to all appliances, are high-efficiency models. Inside, light fixtures take advantage of high-efficiency fluorescents, and special Icynene foam insulation, which uses castor oil to reduce reliance on petroleum-based materials, has been used throughout the property.

All of which adds up to two things crucially important to the project: reducing not only the building's energy and carbon footprints, good for the environment and the planet as a whole, but also reducing the monthly energy expenses for each of the property's individual units, good for the elderly men and women living on very modest fixed incomes who call Levis Hill House home.

Energy costs for a one-bedroom apartment at Levis Hill House are only about $50 per month—as predicted.

"Going 'green' is something we can all agree is valuable and worthwhile here in the 21st century," notes Hart. "But too often people assume there is a burdensome cost involved with that process. It just doesn't have to be that way. We've proven here, for anyone who cares to look, that the savings created long-term can be achieved with very little construction cost increase in the short-term. If we can afford to be 'green' in an affordable housing project why can't any new building in Loudoun County afford to be 'green?'"

Perhaps K.C. McGurren, Executive Director of EarthCraft Virginia, summed it up best when she said of the Levis Hill House certification, "Levis Hill House, LP is a leader in Virginia's green building and the affordable housing market. Your commitment has enabled many individuals in our own neighborhoods to benefit from healthy, comfortable buildings while maintaining low utility bills."