Overview
EarthCraft Multifamily is the country’s first multifamily-specific green building program. It addresses both newly constructed multifamily projects and renovations. The result is multifamily communities that are healthy and operationally cost effective, as well as energy, water, and resource efficient.
The multifamily program addresses a wide range of sustainability issues, including environmental performance, indoor air quality, building durability, comfort, and affordability. These concerns at the unit level and for the community as a whole. The EarthCraft Multifamily program utilizes a HERS rating, program guidelines, points-based worksheet, site visits, and diagnostic testing to verify that each project complies with program standards and current green building best practices.
Project teams work with an EarthCraft Multifamily Project Manager and Technical Advisor, who will provide support in meeting program criteria from the design phase through all phases of construction.
Viridiant Certification Services (Included In Contract)
Viridiant will perform the following scope of services in accordance with the verification of EarthCraft certification requirements:
Design Review
When the project’s drawings are 80-85% complete, the project team should schedule a Design Review meeting. Upon the submittal of project information and documents, Viridiant will develop unit-level energy models per RESNET Standards and Multifamily Modeling Guidelines to assess whether predicted energy performance meets EarthCraft performance requirements.
Based on your Viridiant Project Manager’s review, they will provide recommendations to further optimize energy performance. Program requirements, recommendations, and energy model projections will be reviewed with the Project Team and appropriate stakeholders at the Design Review meeting.
Construction Kick-Off Meeting
Your Viridiant Technical Advisor will review the EarthCraft and project goals on-site with the general contractor’s project manager and site supervisor, and any subcontractors identified by the project team whose work will be impacted by EarthCraft program standards.
Certification
Upon completion of all program requirements, Viridiant will certify the project and provide documentation of the certification to all necessary parties.
Technical Advisor Inspections
The Viridiant Technical Advisor will perform regular site visits to verify program compliance and visually inspect a sampling of equipment, duct systems, and insulation. They will also perform preliminary and final diagnostic testing on a sample of units. Tests include blower door, duct blaster, and ventilation.
Background
The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and Southface Energy Institute developed the EarthCraft House program in 1999 as a response to local demand for a residential green building certification program. The success of the EarthCraft House program led to the creation of additional programs to address other building types and sustainable community development.
The EarthCraft family of programs continues to grow and expand its mission of helping professionals design and construct healthy, comfortable buildings and communities that minimize negative environmental impacts.
Multifamily Resources
New Construction and Adaptive Reuse
For projects registered 1/1/2024 or later
For projects registered 1/1/2022 or later
For projects registered 1/23/2020 to 12/31/2021
Renovation
For projects registered 1/1/2024 or later
For projects registered 1/1/2022 or later
For projects registered prior to 12/31/2021
Register your project below to get started on your path to EarthCraft certification. Already registered? Schedule your Design Review Meeting or sign up for additional services HERE.