Westerville, OH, February 9, 2018…The Banks at Berkley, an affordable multifamily community in the Berkley neighborhood of Norfolk, VA, was recently awarded EarthCraft Platinum certification for its green design and energy efficiency characteristics. It was developed by The Woda Group, Inc.
Platinum certification is the highest rating level awarded by the EarthCraft Multifamily Program. To qualify, multifamily buildings must demonstrate green building design and construction methods, with proper site planning, resource-efficient building materials and systems to enhance indoor air quality and water conservation. Certified properties have energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and provide basic educational programming on green living for residents. Certified projects are typically more durable, energy efficient and less costly to operate.
“Research from the Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech shows that residents living in EarthCraft certified multifamily units save 464 kWh of energy and $54 a month, on average,” said KC Bleile, Executive Director of Viridiant, the nonprofit delivering the EarthCraft program in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. “Viridiant congratulates The Woda Group and its commitment to its residents, and to a healthier environment for the surrounding Norfolk community, through EarthCraft’s certification for efficiency and sustainability.”
The Banks at Berkley has 50 units, including two and three-bedroom apartments for seniors, families, and singles who earn 60% of area median income or less. In addition to modern, energy- efficient units with balconies, the development offers many lifestyle amenities such as a community room, playground, laundry, and outdoor picnic space. Two onsite medical clinics are now in development.
“Earning the EarthCraft Platinum certification demonstrates our commitment to developing and operating energy-efficient buildings that contribute to our residents’ well-being,” says Gregory Mustric, Vice President, The Woda Group, Inc. “Our residents benefit through lower monthly utility bills and a healthier living environment.”
Funding for the $9.3 million development was made available through Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Virginia Housing Development Authority, with U.S. Bancorp Development Corporation as the primary investor and Bank of America contributing additional funding.
The Woda Group, Inc. and its affiliates are experienced developers, general contractors, and property managers specializing in the design, construction, and management of affordable multi- family apartments, senior communities, and single-family homes. Considered leading experts in the affordable housing industry, the Woda team is known for producing and maintaining high quality affordable housing. Affordable Housing Finance Magazine has ranked The Woda Group, Inc. 9th overall among Affordable Housing Developers and 22nd overall among Affordable Housing Owners in their April/May 2017 issue. The Woda Group, Inc. has developed and currently manages over 300 communities and over 12,000 units.
The Woda Group, Inc. has offices in Westerville, Ohio; Annapolis, Maryland; Savannah, Georgia; Shelbyville, Kentucky; Norfolk, Virginia; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Mackinaw City, Michigan. For more information, call (614) 641-3200 or visit www.wodagroup.com.
About Viridiant
Viridiant is a non-profit organization committed to supporting sustainable building processes through education, consultation and certification. Through these efforts, Viridiant helps to set a path for builders, developers, and homeowners to create structures that are more affordable, more livable and more durable. Learn more at viridiant.org.
About EarthCraft
The EarthCraft program was created in 1999 by a partnership between Southface Energy Institute and the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association and was brought to Virginia in 2006. Operated by Viridiant in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland, EarthCraft is a family of green building certification programs designed to address climate, energy and water issues unique to the southeastern United States. The program serves as a blueprint for energy and resource-efficient single family homes, multifamily structures, renovation projects, community developments, light commercial buildings and sustainable preservation projects.
