Introduction to The Woodlands
The Woodlands, a pioneering master-planned community, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this October 19th. One of the core components of this community, as conceived by George Mitchell in the 1970s, is sustainability. This mission is not just about winning awards, but about making The Woodlands a better place to live, work, play, learn, and pray.
The Importance of Sustainability
Using resources efficiently is critical to remaining faithful to the original vision of The Woodlands. This community has been designed to be self-sustaining, with a focus on social, economic, and environmental performance indicators and strategies. The Woodlands has achieved LEED Precertification from the U.S. Green Building Council, becoming the first master-planned community in Texas to achieve this status. This certification recognizes the community’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to use resources efficiently.
What is LEED Certification?
LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a building certification program that includes a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of neighborhoods. The goal of LEED is to help building owners and operators use resources efficiently and be environmentally aware. The LEED framework encompasses social, economic, and environmental performance indicators and strategies, with a clear, data-driven means of benchmarking and communicating progress.
Benefits of Sustainability
A sustainable community like The Woodlands strives to offer its residents a higher living standard. The community’s focus on sustainability has led to the creation of a unique lifestyle that is immersed in nature, with extensive open space, diverse home offerings, highly acclaimed schools, and urban amenities. Many people move to The Woodlands seeking this lifestyle, and companies follow suit, seeking to benefit from the community’s strong workforce and offer employees a better work-life balance.
Meeting BOMA Sustainability Standards
In addition to LEED certification, Howard Hughes has been awarded the prestigious Building Owners and Management Association (BOMA) 360 Performance Program designation for a total of 25 commercial buildings in The Woodlands. This designation demonstrates that the buildings outperform the competition across all areas of operations and management, including operations and management, security and safety, training and education, energy, environmental sustainability, and tenant relations.
Conclusion
The Woodlands is a community that has been designed with sustainability in mind from its very beginnings. The community’s focus on sustainability has led to the creation of a unique lifestyle that is immersed in nature, with a strong emphasis on social, economic, and environmental performance indicators and strategies. As The Woodlands celebrates its 50th anniversary, it is clear that sustainability is a way of life in this community, and it will continue to be a key component of its success in the years to come.
