Green Development and Sustainability

Barrios Unidos and the Resource Center for Nonviolence are committed to sustainable methods for development and operation of the project.  To these ends, we are working with a number of different professionals to incorporate Green values and methods into the design, construction and ongoing management.  See the 1817 Soquel Avenue Team description for the major resources on Green Building that are working with us on an ongoing basis.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification  

LEED standards are the benchmark for Green construction and operations in the United States. Designed by the United States Green Building Council, they cover a range of criteria to be met, using a point system to establish the level of environmental friendliness of a project. Having committed to meet these standards, Green Building consultants are working to document the development and construction process and to manage the certification process.  www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CategoryID=19

We are focusing on a number of different areas of Green Building.  Some of the areas being explored are as follows:

•  Recycling and responsible disposal of all materials from demolition of existing structures.
• Reduced energy costs through passive solar design and on-site generation using solar and other available technologies.  Contracting for renewable sources for any power that must be purchased from PG&E. 
• Water conservation through installation of automatic and low-flow fixtures.
• Use of non-toxic, low VOC and recycled or sustainably grown/manufactured materials.
• Building design incorporating natural ventilation systems for healthy indoor air quality and ongoing management of systems to support this.
• Management of storm water run off and potential cistern/gray water systems.
•  Green roof design incorporated into mixed-use buildings.
• Development of ongoing management systems that incorporate recycling, resource conservation and green cleaning methods.
• Working with a range of individuals and organizations experienced in these areas, and working with evolving technology, we expect this project to become a model for green development and sustainable operations.

The Resource Center for Nonviolence has a demonstrated commitment to reuse and recycle. When it added the second story to its offices at 515 Broadway, it demolished an abandoned Army barracks at Fort Ord and reused flood joists, floor boards, doors, windows, siding and other materials.