Tara West
Park Miami
Realty Inc.,

“My kids have allergies. I need to have a clean, clean home,” said a prospective buyer to Tara West, managing partner of Park Miami Realty Inc. in Miami Beach. “When you talk about the healthy lifestyle from the (low-toxin) paints and materials that Miami go into the building of green homes, buyers really start to open up,” says West, who sold green properties in Europe and sells them in Miami. West says green homes provide a great opportunity to Florida Realtors because they reduce energy costs(think sunshine) and offer healthier environments (think mold), and they’re attractive to European buyers. Here’s her advice for selling green.

Get LEED savvy

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council(usgbc.org)in 2000, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED) program awards scores up to 110 points to properties and issues certifications to buildings, homes and communities: Certified (40÷), Silver (50+), Gold(60+) and Platinum (80+).

USGBC offers publications and certification courses online and through partners. “I studied with independent companies [Two Trails Inc. in Sarasota and The Spinnaker Group Inc. in Weston that run LEED-certification courses,” says West, who suggests that Realtors attend industry conferences to learn and network with developers and suppliers.

“The benefits to your health and your children’s health—that’s where this whole green building (movement) is actually going.” — Tara West

Work with developers

West represents the developer of 2020 Alton Road (see photos) and works with the Miami Design District, a large multi-use LEED project. Representing LEED-certified construction accelerates learning, according to West. “I understand everything that goes into making sure that the developer ... gains that high certification,” she says. LEED developments can be surprisingly affordable, largely based on the level of LEED technology For example, lower priced LEED Certified and Silver communities are being developed in Florida, according to West. “Do your research and figure out what developers are interested and are making an impact within their local communities,” she says.

Sell benefits, not features

“You really have to be focused on the benefits instead of the house’s features,” says West. Use keywords like energy efficiency, detoxified healthy environment for people, and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). “Talk about how the air is all fish air [from the outside and being cleaned and purified through the heating and cooling systems,” she says. “When you show a LEED home under construction say, ‘Look how hot it is outside and how cool it is in here when there’s no AC on.’ They start to think about how this home is going to save money.”

The healthy benefits attract inquiries from younger families, says West. “So many children have allergies,” she says. “The benefits to your health and your children’s health—that’s where this whole green building (movement) is actually going.”

Market to families and Europeans Marketing abroad as well as at home is the key to success, according to West, who buys ads and seeks publicity in healthy-lifestyle magazines, like Natural Home, and family parenting magazines. To reach potential buyers overseas, West travels rather than buying ads. “I do presentations. It works better to [visit] brokerage houses,” she says. “They’re way ahead of us, and they really appreciate this concept.”

By becoming a green expert and including families and foreigners in your marketing mix, as West suggests, you could find new business in these new-tech homes of the future.

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The 2020 Alton Road Project, in the heart of Miami is on track to be one of the greenest homes in America. A first for Miami Beach, the home is a showcase for essential, sustainable green ideas, demonstrating what can be done.

2020 is the brainchild of the newly formed Florida Green Home Design Group (FGHDG) www.2020alton.com. They are an ambitious group setting their sights high by constructing what they believe will be one of the few LEED certified platinum homes in the world and the first newly constructed platinum home in Miami-Dade County.

2020 Alton Road, when completed the 3,200 sq. ft., 5-bedroom, 5-bath contemporary beauty will forever change Miami Beach’s landscape. It will be the perfect example of a high performance, sustainable green home in an established urban setting adding value to the neighborhood. Located in the high-profile neighborhood of South Beach, the home will meet the strictest codes and requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council.

The FGHDG is honored to team up with a variety of sponsors who are also green leaders. For the kitchen they chose Poggenpohl cabinetry and energy-efficient appliances. The kitchen, designed by Werner Lutz of the Poggenpohl DCOTA showroom – features two sinks, two dishwashers, and an island built-in food steamer – catering to those who eat healthy and entertain often.

Manufactured in Germany, Poggenpohl has used strict ecologically manufacturing methods and sustainable materials for the last 120 years to create quality kitchens that are not only exquisitely designed and highly functional, but also beneficial to the environment.

READ MORE

Starting A Green Trend

This energy-efficient home could really start a revolution around the world in green living. Whether you live in Canada and want more Canadian Green power or you just want to build an energy efficient home in the US, you can learn a lot from homes like this one in Florida that are going 100 percent green and are reducing their carbon footprint to almost zero. Other people and organizations who want to live 100 percent green can use this home as their “mentor,” and do their best to follow its example. People who want to buy a totally energy-efficient home can show a contractor the story about this home and how they want theirs to be 100 percent energy efficient. It really will cause more people to look at their current home and ask themselves if they can do more to reduce their carbon footprint. They may even move into a home like this one, or remodel their current one to use less energy and run more efficiently. Going green should always be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, especially since more and more green products have graced the market.

Truth is, anyone can go green and reduce their carbon footprint; every little bit helps. Whether you buy the compact fluorescent light bulbs or a hybrid car, it really does make a small difference in the environment. Everybody can do their part, and anyone who wants to go green in their home or build a new energy efficient home like this one, should do a little research and then make the changes that they can afford. Going green doesn’t have to be extreme, but those that do go to extremes can cause a chain reaction across the country for the health of our planet.

Source

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) established the Leadership in Environmental Energy and Design (LEED) standard to create uniform criteria for the construction of eco-friendly properties across the country. Creating cost-effective, environmentally conscious homes is a priority for many contractors and property owners, so being able to accomplish this is quite significant.

Those who are building homes or looking to acquire new properties are taking advantage of spray foam, using the product to enhance a home’s value. An available house in Miami Beach, Florida, provides a perfect example of how spray foam insulation could benefit contractors and homeowners.

2020 Alton Road
According to BobVila.com, a property located at 2020 Alton Road in Miami Beach has been equipped with top-of-the-line green products and technologies to enhance its value. The Florida Green Home Design Group sought LEED certification when renovating this house, hoping to turn the $2.2 million property into a net-zero home.

Spray foam insulation made a significant difference in the work completed by contractors on this project. Icynene professionals sprayed six inches of open-cell energy efficient insulation onto the ceiling, and applied three inches of spray foam to the exterior walls. Each of these modifications could significantly bolster the air and sound quality of the house.

It’s fairly well known that mold and moisture can cause serious problems for a property. However, spray foam insulation creates air barriers that help minimize these conditions from occurring. While contractors might ordinarily have a tough time insulating difficult-to-reach spots in a home, Icynene professionals can easily use spray foam in these areas. The news source notes contractors applied approximately 100 gallons of this solution throughout the home in roughly one week.

Additionally, this product enhances a house’s acoustics by limiting the sound that travels between rooms. This could prove especially helpful in dining areas or living rooms where homeowners desire peace and quiet. Contractor Robert Arkin helped insulate the Miami Beach property, telling the news source that it substantially improves sound quality in any home.

“You can hear the difference!” Arkin said to the news source, in reference to residential foam insulation.

The home ended up achieving LEED Platinum certification, a reflection of contractors’ installation of top-notch eco-conscious products. Spray foam insulation is only one of several technologies used by these building professionals, but it could help homeowners save up to 50 percent on their monthly energy bills, improve indoor air quality and help deliver high-quality soundproofing throughout the home.

Icynene spray foam insulation allows design professionals to provide their clients with optimal energy efficiency solutions.

Source

A greener workplace offers a healthier and more productive place to work, means a lighter footprint, and equals a better bottom line.

We all have the choice to limit our effect on the environment in our businesses and we chose to make eco-friendly one. Here are a few ways that we are taking action.

THIS NOTICE IS SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION AT ANY TIME, WHETHER FOR CHANGES IN THE LAW OR AT THE CONVENIENCE OF 2020Alton.com, WITHOUT ADVANCE NOTICE. YOU MUST CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY TO ENSURE THAT YOU SEE A CORRECT, CURRENT VERSION OF THE NOTICE.

It is our policy to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other applicable intellectual property laws. Responses may include removing or disabling access to material claimed to be the subject of infringing activity and/or terminating subscribers. If we remove or disable access in response to such a notice, we will make a good-faith attempt to contact the owner or administrator of the affected site or content so that they may make a counter notification pursuant to sections 512(g)(2) and (3) of that Act. It is our policy to document all notices of alleged infringement on which we act.

Please refer to the following detailed instructions which must be followed to protect your rights under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Infringement Notification

To file a notice of infringement with us, you must provide a written communication (by fax or regular mail — not by email, except by prior agreement) that sets forth the items specified below. Please note that you may be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights. Accordingly, if you are not sure whether material available online infringes your copyright, we suggest that you first contact an attorney.

Your communication must include substantially all of the following:

1. A physical or electronic signature of a person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

2. Identify in sufficient detail the location of copyrighted work that you believe has been infringed upon (for example, “The copyrighted work at issue is the text that appears on http://www.newco.com/uglytext_page.html”) or other information sufficient to specify the copyrighted work being infringed. If multiple copyrighted works at a single online site are covered by a single notification, a representative list of such works at that site.

3. Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing or to be the subject of infringing activity and that is to be removed or access to which is to be disabled, and information reasonably sufficient to permit us to locate the material.

4. Information reasonably sufficient to permit us to contact the complaining party, such as an address, telephone number, and, if available, an electronic mail address at which the complaining party may be contacted.

5. The following statement: “I have a good faith belief that use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.”

6. The following statement: “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate, and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.”

Send the written communication to:

2020Alton.com
Attn: DMCA Complaints

Tara West Luxury Properties
Managing Partner, Park Miami Realty
605 Lincoln Road, Suite 240 Miami Beach, FL 33139

Email: info@2020alton.com

Counter Notification

The administrator of an affected site or the provider of affected content may make a counter notification pursuant to sections 512(g)(2) and (3) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. When we receive a counter notification, we may reinstate the material in question.

To file a counter notification with us, you must provide a written communication (by fax or regular mail — not by email, except by prior agreement) that sets forth the items specified below. Please note that you will be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is not infringing the copyrights of others. Accordingly, if you are not sure whether certain material infringes the copyrights of others, we suggest that you first contact an attorney. To expedite our ability to process your counter notification, please use the following format (including section numbers):

Your communication must include substantially the following:

1. A physical or electronic signature of the subscriber.

2. Identification of the material that has been removed or to which access has been disabled and the location at which the material appeared before it was removed or access to it was disabled.

3. A statement under penalty of perjury that you have a good faith belief that the material was removed or disabled as a result of mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled.

4. Your name, address, and telephone number.

5. The following statement: “I consent to the jurisdiction of Federal District Court for the judicial district in which the your address is located, (or Santa Clara County, California if your address is outside of the United States), and that you will accept service of process from the person who provided notification under subsection (c)(1)(C) or an agent of such person.

6. The following statement: “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that I have a good faith belief that the affected material was removed or disabled as a result of a mistake or misidentification of the material to be removed or disabled.”

Send the written communication to:

2020Alton.com
Attn: DMCA Complaints

Tara West Luxury Properties
Managing Partner, Park Miami Realty
605 Lincoln Road, Suite 240 Miami Beach, FL 33139

Email: info@2020alton.com

Account Termination

2020Alton will, in appropriate circumstances, terminate repeat infringers. If you believe that an account holder or subscriber is a repeat infringer, please follow the instructions above to contact 2020Alton DMCA agent and provide information sufficient for us to verify that the account holder or subscriber is a repeat infringer.

Two Trails, Inc. is a Green Building Consulting firm established in 2001. We provide turnkey green solutions for commercial, residential, remodeling, developments projects and local governments in the process of obtaining their green certification, commissioning and energy rating.

Nationally recognized for our passion, dedication and knowledge in the field Green Building Consulting, we have been honored with numerous awards.

We have obtained many “Firsts” in the industry, and are always striving to improve our dedication to improving green construction.

By being leaders in the Green Community, we feel it is our responsibility to help educate and share what we have learned. Our

goal is to make being environmentally friendly simple to understand; showing consumers how to save money, save our natural resources while living healthier.

Read more about Two Trails

2020 will utilize Photovoltaic solar panels
The main key to solar energy usage of course is the sunlight but the solar photovoltaic (Solar PV) cells and systems that are used to collect that energy are a very important part of the system as a whole. A single photovoltaic panel can produce enough electricity to power a roadside telephone or sensor system for lights.

Dual-Axis Technology (DAT) UGE has developed and patented a revolutionary new dual axis design that eliminates the main concern of other vertical axis wind turbines, that of premature bearing failure. Through this technology, our turbines significantly outperform the competition by spreading both horizontal and vertical forces along the length of the axis. For you this means increased durability and power production along with lower vibration and resistance. Quiet At UGE we believe a wind turbine should be seen but not heard. Fortunately, UGE wind turbines are so quiet, you won’t even know they’re spinning! Thanks to the turbines’ low RPM and industry-leading design, they are virtually silent, even during high wind speeds, and cannot be heard over a typical AC unit. The low RPM and helical design leads to very low-vibration turbines which can be mounted with ease in imaginative locations.

Our Geothermal Heat Pump systems are the most energy and cost efficient systems on the market and therefore the greenest technology for heating and cooling. The technology uses the relatively constant temperature of the earth (thermal energy) to provide heating, air conditioning and hot water. Ground and water temperatures, 6 feet below the earth’s surface, stay relatively constant throughout the year.

This allows the system to provide extremely efficient heating or cooling all year long in virtually any climate. Sometimes the term “environmental comfort system” is used to describe a geothermal heat pump. This happens because a heat pump absorbs or rejects heat from the earth and has absolutely no impact on the environment.

Operation Modes of a Heat Pump:

Cooling Mode - In the COOLING mode, the refrigerant, a hot gas, is pumped
from the compressor to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger via the reversing valve. Water, generally with an antifreeze, flowing through the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger removes heat and the hot gas condenses into a liquid. This liquid then flows through a metering device to the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger coil.

In evaporating into a gas, the liquid absorbs heat and cools and dehumidifies the air that passes over the coil surface. The cooling cycle is completed when the refrigerant flows as a low pressure gas through the reversing valve and back to the suction side of the compressor.

The fluid from the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger is pumped to the ground loop heat exchanger where it transfers the heat to the earth. The cooled fluid then flows back to the unit.

Heating Mode – During the HEATING mode, the refrigerant, a hot gas, is
pumped from the compressor to the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger coil via the reversing valve. In the air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger coil, the heat is removed by the air that passes over the coil surface, and the hot gas condenses into a liquid.

The air is circulated to the space and provides heating for the house. The refrigerant liquid then flows through a metering system to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. When evaporating into a gas, the liquid absorbs heat and cools the water. The heating cycle is completed when the refrigerant flows as a low pressure gas through the reversing valve and back to the suction side of the compressor.

In the winter the fluid in the ground loop extracts heat from the ground, raising the fluid temperature and circulates back to the heat pump into the house.

Well Water System

This type of design is only possible if there is sufficient ground water available in a well, a
lake or river in the area. The water must be of good quality. Local codes may limit the use of
this system in certain areas. The system is open which means that water is pumped directly
into the geothermal unit and then discharged either into a return well or a body of water. The water quality remains unaffected.

]]> http://www.2020alton.com/floridas-greenest-home/green-power/feed/ 0 http://www.2020alton.com/uncategorized/location/ http://www.2020alton.com/uncategorized/location/#comments Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:34:54 +0000 adminguy http://www.2020alton.com/wp/?p=1110 Continue reading →]]>    

Schools near 2020 Alton Rd

The 2020 Alton Road Project is an ambitious and innovative home being billed as a “showcase for essential, sustainable green ideas” and one that serves as the ultimate example of living eco-consciously. The goal is to create the first LEED certified platinum home in Miami-Dade County while simultaneously adding it to another elite list – one of only a handful of LEED certified homes in the world.

READ MORE

I don’t know about you, but I find it pretty darn curious that there aren’t any new LEED Platinum homes in South Florida. Sure, there’s a smattering elsewhere in the Sunshine State with a sizable concentration in and around Sarasota, but in the Miami metro area? Zero, zilch, nada.

That’s all about to change with 2020 Alton Road, a soon-to-be-completed spec project (construction is due to wrap up late spring/early summer) in the heart of Miami Beach that’s aiming high on the LEED scale and garnering a decent amount of positive attention in the region because of it. As far as points go, the project is tracking 108 with the possibility of gaining another 10 or so. From what I understand, the highest-ranking LEED Platinum home in all of Florida is a private residence in Sarasota from Josh Wynne Construction that scored 117. So, yep, 2020 Alton could indeed become not only the first new LEED Platinum home in the Miami area (to be clear, there is a LEED Platinum remodel in Coral Gabels), but the greenest new home in the entire state.

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But after they met Realtor Carlos Ruiz de Quevedo, they added another feature to their wish list: energy-efficiency.

Now the couple has settled on an Energy Star certified home in Coral Gables.

“We fell in love with this home,” Roller said. “When we got down to looking at electricity bills, it really showed that the house had a financial plus. We didn’t start looking for just a green house, but the option weighed out better.”

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The super green home-to-be at 2020 Alton Road rises nearly 32’ from the ground. With a redesigned property wall and lush landscaping to come, this home site is certain to inspire major curb lust!

At 2020 Alton Road, a home on track to be Miami Beach’s first LEED Platinum residence is steadfastly taking shape. Much progress has been made since our last post, and general contractor Robert Arkin, a partner with Florida Green Home Design Group (FGHDG), confirms that the five-bedroom, five-bathroom eco-luxury residence is on schedule for completion this spring. As of February 1st, the project was tracking 108 LEED points. The entire concrete footprint has already been poured; metal furring defines the interior floor plan; and the supply and return air-distribution ductwork, which ensures a constant flow of fresh air throughout the house, is in place. Next up is electrical work and the installation of Icynene spray foam insulation, geothermal units, and mold-resistant drywall.

READ MORE

As chair of the Sustainability Committee, I would like to keep you updated on what the committee is currently doing.

At the December 13 Sustainability Committee, Miami Dade County presented their Green Business Certification Program and commercial rebate program for applicants. The County is offering $1 million in commercial rebates to local businesses for the purchase of new Energy Star appliances.  The program is offered to help decrease energy consumption and increase savings on local businesses’ energy bills by encouraging the replacement of older and inefficient appliances.  To qualify for this rebate businesses must complete the Green Business Certification Application Checklist online (green.miamidade.gov). The commercial rebates are being utilized as leverage to increase participation in the Miami-Dade Green Business Certification Program. The rebate amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and is not to exceed $10K per business.  This program is funded through the County’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program, awarded by the US Department of Energy.  Betsy Wheaton  will be working with the City’s Communication’s Department to get the word out about this great program.

The County would like to see the City of Miami Beach take a leadership role and take over the supervision and administration of the Green Business Certification Program in Miami Beach.  A motion was passed unanimously for the City to disseminate information via the City’s website, email blasts, MB Magazine, and other relevant communication outlets about the available commercial rebates.  In addition, the Committee recommended that the City to investigate the potential of owning the Green Business Certification Program once the Recycling Ordinance has passed and a Sustainability Officer is hired.

Also, Robert Arkin provided the Committee with feedback regarding his experience with permitting process to build a Platinum LEED house at 2020 Alton Road.  He provided the committee with a number of concerns/suggestions they have with improving the City’s Green Building Program.  The next step is to set up a meeting with the new Building Director to discuss the current permitting process for LEED projects.  Gabriole VanBryce will be invited to this meeting.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Gongora

Source

Imagine having a four-bedroom house with a pool and not paying a dime on your electric bill. That’s about to become a reality at the first “Platinum” green home in Miami Beach.

“Platinum” is the highest energy efficiency rating you can get for a house.

Robert Arkin is the general contractor of the ultra-modern home that he calls “sustainable luxury.” It’s a 3,200 square foot house located at 2020 Alton Road and it’s so green, they don’t plan to pay an electric bill.

“We’re trying to obtain net-zero,” Arkin said, “which means at the end of the day we’re not going to be paying for electricity.”

On the roof, they’ll have solar panels and collapsible wind turbines. The pool in front of the house will contain no chemicals or chlorine. It will electronically clean itself.

“We’ll also have geo-thermal air-conditioning,” Arkin explained. “It’s where we take water from the ground and we cool the air-conditioning system with [it].”

Ari Sklar is the architect of the house that has so many bells and whistles, it even comes with an iPad that controls everything.

The City of Miami Beach is excited about this pioneering project. It fits right in line with their desire to become a greener city.

Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora visited the site and said he’s hopeful this will encourage more green building in the area.

2020 Alton Road is scheduled to be completed in April 2012. The house is currently on the market. The asking price is $2.19 million.

Source: NBC Miami

The award ceremony takes place Wednesday, October 19th at 9AM in the City’s Commission Chambers, Third Floor of City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida during the commission’s regular weekly meeting.

Florida Green Home Design Group partners are local Miamians: developer Matt Lahn, general contractor, Robert Arkin, architect Ari Sklar and realtor, Tara West.

With its ultra modern design, wind turbine, solar panels, water recycling systems and many other energy saving features, this will be the most energy efficient home in Miami beach. The goal is to operate at ‘net zero,’ producing a surplus of energy. Platinum is the highest LEED category for green building.

Miami Beach city commissioner, Michael Gongora, founder and chairman of the Miami Beach Sustainability Committee says, “The Florida Green Home Design Group is leading by example, fulfilling the city’s motto, Blue Skies, White Sands, Green City. This team has contributed significantly to the betterment of Miami Beach and its people. We appreciate all your efforts and achievements.”

The project’s developer, Matt Lahn says, “We are proud to be on the forefront of green building in Miami Beach. Our goal is to build healthier homes and leave less of a carbon footprint on our planet. We hope 2020 Alton serves as an inspiration for South Florida residents to follow our lead.”

General contractor, Robert Arkin says, “We hope this recognition is seen as a movement to stimulate more conscious efforts for all architects, builders and owners to incorporate more green elements into standard construction. I have been advising my clients for several years to invest in sustainability to not only lower their maintenance and operations costs but to be mindful of the options that can be integrated into home building in order to reduce power consumption and maintenance cost for their properties.”

Architect, Ari Sklar says, “I am very happy to be honored by the city that I grew up in and love, as well as, where most of my work is concentrated in. It’s also great to know that Miami Beach realizes the importance of good green design and I hope to see more green construction in our community. I’m very happy to be a part of the Florida Green Home Design Group and to be able to offer to others all the benefits of GREEN/LEED Design.”

Tara West, the project’s realtor says, “It’s wonderful to see the City realizes the importance and value of promoting green building in Miami Beach. I hope to see many more LEED certified houses built in our community and aided by the City of Miami Beach in approving permits so such construction may successfully occur. I’m very happy to be a part of the Florida Green Home Design Group and of this long overdue monumental occasion for our local community.”

Commissioner Gongora says, “My vision was to build a dedicated committee focused on green issues and to develop a plan to guide our city for the future. I am extremely proud of the Florida Green Home Design Group’s project and want to highlight their success with a Certificate of Recognition. I hope their project will inspire more LEED building and that the city will develop laws to assist in future pursuits.” He adds, “This addition to Miami Beach’s landscape will reinforce the benefits, beauty, and interest in green building today.”

The home is expected to be completed in Spring 2012.
A 24/7 live web cam placed on sight records the project’s progress. The project can be viewed online at www.2020alton.com.

For additional information, photos, and interviews contact:
Marilyn Mitzel at 786-463-1057 or e-mail – mm@marilynmitzel.com

The Florida Green Home Design Group strives for LEED Platinum certification with its 2020 Alton Road Project.

Almost everyone by now should be familiar with the phrase LEED-certified—a program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to promote Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. With respect to residential design, a LEED-certified home accrues credits (points) based on the degree to which mindful design and sustainable performance considers region, site, non-toxic and local materials, and the implementation of systems that conserve and reuse water, manage waste, ventilate air, and promote wellness.  According to the USGBC, as of August 2011, 12,690 homes have been LEED-certified and more continue to be built to meet the latest green building standards.

While Gold certification has been the ultimate goal of many builders, a new breed of architects, developers, and contractors—like the visionary team building the house at 2020 Alton Road in Miami Beach, FL—are now pursuing Platinum, the next level and highest LEED category. To qualify, this home must score at least 90 points. With high performance and efficient power-making and -saving systems, this home aspires to operate at “net zero,” meaning that it will produce as much energy as it consumes.

For the principals of The Florida Green Home Design Group—architect Ari Sklar, general contractor Robert Arkin, and developer Matt Lahn—the building of a sustainable house like 2020 Alton Road has become an aphrodisiac of sorts. Arkin is all consumed and claims to “eat, sleep and dream green.” Sklar is on a natural high over state-of-the-art advances in green design. And, Lahn confirms its uniqueness by declaring this is “more than just another job!”

It didn’t start off that way five years ago when Sklar purchased the lot with his father- in-law. They considered the “2020″ address to be a good omen since there were two optometrists in the family. Their intention was to build a large luxury home on the site and turn a profit. When the recession hit, however, Sklar sat tight. He took notice of the advancements and tax incentives in building green and studied to become a LEED-Accredited Professional (AP). The wait afforded him, together with Lahn and Arkin, the opportunity to not only set a new standard of green building in Miami but impact the community in a relevant and responsible way.

Indeed, official interest in the greening of Miami Beach started in 2007 when Commissioner Michael Gongora founded the Miami Beach Sustainability Committee. “I wanted to build a dedicated committee focused on green issues and to develop a sustainability plan to guide our city for the future,” says Gongora, who serves as committee chairman. Noting the city’s motto—Blue Skies, White Sands, Green City—Commissioner Gongora hopes that 2020 Alton Road will inspire more LEED building and that the city will develop laws to assist in future pursuits.

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The construction of 2020 Alton Road, a 3,200 square foot, single-family residence in Miami Beach pursuing a LEED Platinum rating is well underway, and the ground floor has just been completed. Before the concrete could be poured, however, a series of preparations were made and underground systems were installed all in accordance with the rigorous guidelines of the LEED for Homes green building certification program.

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Light plays an important part in our lives. For that reason, Kreon endeavours to achieve true and symmetrical forms, unobtrusive, but suited to the needs of modern architecture. Kreon introduces calm into the chaos of the world surrounding us. Our fittings also lead in terms of detail and technology. Our motto is durable solutions, in synergy with the environment, with light as a true amalgam with architecture.

Visit us at KreonUSA.com

Alterna is proud to be the architectural representative and distributor for Smith & Fong’s Durapalm® in Florida,
Georgia, Alabama and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. Durapalm® coconut palm flooring and plywood products
offer endless possibilities for architects and interior designers, whether the focus is on green building or
cutting-edge design. The palm wood utilized comes from plantation grown coconut palms, which are in abundance
throughout much of the world. As the rainforest continues to be tapped for timber needs, coconut palms have
been an overlooked and underutilized resource. With more than 150 species growing in countries from Southeast
Asia to Africa and Central America, palms hold great potential for sustainable export lumber products in the
developing world.