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Ranch House at Del Sur Named One of the World's 'Greenest': Scores Platinum LEED Rating from U.S. Green Building Council

Ranch House at Del Sur Named One of the World's 'Greenest': Scores Platinum LEED Rating from U.S. Green Building Council

Published 07-10-07

Submitted by Black Mountain Ranch

The Ranch House at Del Sur (Photo: Business Wire)

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 2007--The Ranch House at Del Sur, the information center for the newly opened master-planned community by Black Mountain Ranch LLC in north San Diego, last week was awarded a Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council and the most widely recognized standard worldwide for sustainable, high-performance, low-energy-use buildings.

With a point score of 59 out of a total 69 points possible, the 3,000-square-foot Ranch House is the first private-enterprise, new construction building to achieve Platinum rating in California, and San Diego's first Platinum-rated structure.

"The Ranch House is to be commended for its LEED Platinum Certification," said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. "As a visitor information and resource center, the Ranch House will serve as an example to the community as well as raise awareness among consumers and new home builders. The Ranch House will be a model for master-planned community development."

Of the approximately 680 LEED-NC (new construction) certified buildings in the world, only 28 have achieved Platinum certification. Many Ranch House features are available as standard or options to the 2,500 homes under construction at Del Sur. In addition, the Ranch House is actively promoted as a showcase and resource to all San Diegans to encourage learning about -- and committing -- to environmental stewardship.

"We're honored that the Ranch House has been recognized by the Green Building Council with its highest rating," said Fred Maas, president and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch LLC, developer of the 1,800-acre Del Sur. "The Ranch House is the focal point of the Del Sur vision: celebrating heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability. Everything from the land planning to the recycling of construction waste to the use of Earth-friendly materials and techniques is part of the Del Sur green building strategy."

Fullerton Architects P.C., of Kalispell, MT provided architectural design services, in consultation with LEED consultant Hernando Miranda of Soltierra, Inc. in San Diego. Landscape architecture was provided by Vita Planning & Landscape Architecture and Wimmer Yamada and Caughey, and interior design was provided by San Diego-based Design Line Interiors. Standard Pacific Homes constructed the Ranch House at Del Sur, and Benchmark Landscape provided landscape installation services.

Resource Conservation, Recycling and Reuse

Through the incorporation of efficient appliances, weather-based irrigation and low-water plant palettes, combined annual estimated water savings are 70 percent, or more than one million gallons saved per year. A photovoltaic (solar) energy system provides about half the building's power, while natural lighting, EnergyStar appliances, and efficient ductwork save approximately 57 percent of energy annually. Wind credits offset the remainder of the energy use, making the Ranch House a net-zero consumption facility.

Approximately 89% of construction waste at the Ranch House was recycled, and materials were re-used on-site where possible. Cork in the flooring, sunflower husks in countertops, wheat waste in cabinets and ceilings, and salvaged timbers used in flooring and ceiling trusses are among the reclaimed or rapidly-renewable resources on display at the Ranch House.

The porous concrete driveway leading to the Ranch House aids with groundwater filtration and mitigates storm-water runoff. Electric vehicles, dedicated carpool parking spaces and bike racks offer and demonstrate a variety of resources for alternative transportation.

About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit composed of leaders from across the building industry working to advance buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Driving its mission to transform the built environment is the Council's LEED(R) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System(TM), which is accessible on-line and supported by a robust LEED Workshop program and the LEED Professional Accreditation program. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

About Del Sur

In addition to the award-winning homes by some of the region's top builders, the new community of Del Sur provides a distinct lifestyle and abundance of amenities. The neighborhoods offer a wide variety of residential styles that borrow their grace from San Diego's architectural heritage. Tree-lined streets, a town center, expansive parks with swimming pools, new schools in Poway Unified School District and 18 miles of trails shared with sister community Santaluz, all surrounded by acres of natural open space, are planned to create a rich living experience for beginning, growing and mature families.

Among Del Sur's many acknowledgments are the 2006 Smart Growth Project Award from ULI San Diego, 2007 Sustainable Community of the Year from BIA of Southern California, Recycler of the Year 2006 and 2007 from the city of San Diego, and 2007 Sustainable Communities Champion from San Diego Gas & Electric.

For more information on new home neighborhoods at Del Sur, visit the Ranch House. Take SR-56 to Camino Del Sur, head north for approximately four miles, and follow the signs to the Ranch House, which is open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about Del Sur call 858-481-4200 or visit www.DelSurLiving.com.

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Copyright Business Wire 2007

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