Press Releases

December 11, 2012

Walton Expansion First in Columbia County Certified Under Enterprise Green Communities

Augusta, GA—An expansion of Walton Rehabilitation Health System's Planer Mill Village senior apartment complex in Harlem, Ga. is the first multifamily project in Columbia County to be certified under Enterprise Green Communities (EGC)--and only the third such project to be certified in the state of Georgia.

Enterprise Green Communities is an independent program certifying green building practices for affordable, multifamily housing developers. Similar to LEED (Leadership in Enterprise and Environmental Design) green designation, EGC is distinct in its focus on bringing the benefits of green building to affordable housing developments.

Comprehensive criteria within EGC includes integrative design, site improvement, water conservation, energy efficiency, location and neighborhood fabric, materials beneficial to the environment, healthy living environment and operations and maintenance. The Planer Mill expansion meets EGC's criteria through:

  • Preservation of greenspace. A certain percentage of the property will be maintained as park space for residents to enjoy;
  • Certification under EnergyStar building standards, including thicker insulation, improved air sealing, higher efficiency HVAC systems and EnergyStar-rated appliances;
  • Designated recycling area for residents;
  • Water conservation.

"As we move into the future, it will become more and more important to be 'green' in all aspects of life," said Beth Miller, Vice President of Walton Community Services, part of WRHS. "The Enterprise Green Communities criteria delivers significant health, economic and environmental benefits to our families and residents."

"We are pleased to support Enterprise Green Communities certification as a responsible and progressive approach for our residential settings," said Dennis Skelley, President and CEO of WRHS. 

As Walton Community Services' 14th housing development project, the expansion of Planer Mill Village adds eight one-bedroom units for very low income seniors in Harlem, Ga. The project is supported through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Construction on the project has begun, with a target completion date of April 2013.

Walton Community Services provides accessible living communities for seniors and those with disabilities in Columbia, Richmond and Aiken counties. To find out more, visit wrh.org/housing.

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