BERRY STREET COMMONS has been designed 
    for LEED Gold Certification and will be one of the 
    first projects of its kind to achieve this 
    certification in the State of NJ.

The LEED for Homes Certification is a collaborative initiative of the U.S. Green Building Council to promote sustainable practices in the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

The LEED for Homes rating is a nationally accepted benchmark which measures the overall performance of a home in eight categories:

1)    Innovation & Design.
        Special design methods contributing to the sustainability of the 
        home.

2)      Location & Linkages.
        The placement of the home in socially and environmentally 
        responsible ways in relation to the larger community
        such as proximity to transportation, shopping and open spaces.

3)      Sustainable Sites.
        The use of the entire property so as to minimize the project’s 
        impact on the site.

4)      Water Efficiency.
        Water-efficient practices both indoors and outdoors.

5)      Energy & Atmosphere.
        Energy efficiency, particularly in the building envelope and heating 
        and cooling design.

6)      Materials & Resources.
        Efficient selection and utilization of environmentally preferable 
        materials, and minimization of waste during construction.

7)      Indoor Environmental Quality.
        Improvement of indoor air quality by reducing the creation of and 
        exposure to pollutants.

8)      Awareness & Education.
        The education of the homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager 
        about the operation and maintenance of the green features of a 
        LEED home.

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One of the LEED for Homes Certification prerequisites for BERRY STREET COMMONS is to exceed ENERGY STAR standards for new homes.  

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy which provides qualification standards for new homes as well as strict energy efficiency guidelines for household products.

An ENERGY STAR Qualified home features the following:

1)    Effective Insulation.
        Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and 
        attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced 
        energy use, and increased comfort. 

2)    High-Performance Windows.
        Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as 
        protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in 
        during winter and out during summer.  These windows also block 
        damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and 
        furnishings. 

3)    Tight Construction and Ducts.
        Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating 
        and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, 
        pollen, and noise.  A tightly sealed home improves comfort and 
        indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. 

4)    Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment.
        In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient 
        heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor 
        humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home.  When 
        properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't 
        have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. 

5)    Efficient Products.
        ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with 
        ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact 
        fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances such as 
        refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. 

6)    Third-Party Verification.
        With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY 
        STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-
        saving features for their homes.  Additionally, raters conduct 
        onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency 
        measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing 
        details.