Sustainable Georgia Roundup

Tech’s Environmentally Advanced Building: Atlanta-based Georgia Tech has begun construction of its Living Building, officially named the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design. The Kendeda Fund invested $25 million to cover design and construction of what is being touted as one of the South’s most environmentally advanced buildings, which is scheduled for completion in 2020. To build an interactive dashboard that will monitor the energy and water usage, indoor health metrics and other environmental factors, Georgia Tech chose 10 undergraduates as the inaugural class of Sustainable Undergraduate Research Fellows (SURF). The SURFers represent all six Georgia Tech colleges and were selected from a group of 88 applicants. This pilot project will be the basis for future undergraduates to earn academic credit while working with faculty members on research projects that span multiple semesters.

Earth-friendly Senior Living: Manor at Broad Street, in Fairburn, exemplifies an affordable senior living community built with sustainable practices and dedicated to maximizing efficiency and comfort while reducing environmental impact. The development offers senior residents walkable access to grocery stores, libraries, post offices and pharmacies, thereby promoting health and community connections. It’s also designed to contain costs through efficient operating systems and maintain optimal indoor air quality to reduce respiratory issues. Manor at Broad Street is certified as an EarthCraft Community by Southface, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that promotes sustainable homes, workplaces and communities. As an Earthcraft Community, the development takes a holistic approach to a wide range of sustainability considerations. It also received the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2017 Development of Excellence Award. Learn more about the ways senior housing is changing in “Growing Older in Georgia” on page 77.