Green Initiatives

 

Our Belief

The economic and social well-being of communities is greatly affected by their physical environments.
 
We believe that we have an obligation to protect and preserve the physical environment, and we seek out partners who demonstrate that same commitment. 

Our Pledge

We are continually challenging ourselves and our partners to:

  • Minimize pollution and energy consumption.
  • Learn and embrace ever-changing programs, technologies and building materials. 
  • Achieve environmental Sustainability through third-party verification.

Independent, third-party verification is a powerful tool in advancing our company’s environmental objectives. Some of the programs and rating systems through which we’ve attained verification include:

  • the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program.
  • the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
  • the Enterprise Green Communities program, which promotes the creation of environmentally responsive, affordable homes.

As we have stated in our company vision, we will be the leader in transformative real estate solutions — and similarly, we pledge to be a leader in our industries and in our communities in a individual, personal, company-wide and collective approach to awareness and commitment to green and sustainable practices.

Model Construction - Green Consciousness. Real Practices. 

We believe in a process in which both the indoor and outdoor environments are considered during the design phase, and then protected during the course of construction.

Commencing on day one with the site selection and lasting throughout the life of the project, we address the environmental impact of our projects. 

We do not just say that we just want sustainable practices from our employees. We actively seek out ways to ensure this thinking and this behavior – in our office setting, on our worksites, and in our business planning.
 
Key factors we consider are:
 
  • Indoor Environmental Quality: filtering of air; the mix of indoor/outdoor air; and prevention of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) via the selection of materials and cleaning agents.
  • Energy efficiency: low energy usage, via the selection of light fixtures, insulation, HVAC systems, ventilation systems, appliances, doors and windows.
  • Protection of natural resources: efficient building systems; use of recycled and rapidly renewable materials; and smart delivery of materials to the job site. 
  • Site sensitivity: orientation of the structure; protection of existing vegetation; storm water management; landscaping; construction and demolition debris removal; and recycling.
  • Water efficiency: selection of plumbing fixtures and appliances; wastewater reuse; and efficient irrigation.
We believe in continuous improvement and we are constantly challenging our construction methods and procedures, staying abreast of new technologies and evaluating life-cycle cost.  Our dedication to Transitional Real Estate encourages us to Repair, Reuse, Recycle… 
 
We rethink what we consume, where it comes from, and where it goes. 
 
Our company challenge. When it comes to being aware of Sustainability and making choices that will ensure that we make smart business decisions – and smart Green decisions, we will challenge ourselves - our partners - our communities.

LEED for Homes

The Model Group is currently nearing completion on its first project to be certified under the LEED for Homes rating system, the Forest Square Senior Apartments in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. Developed by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), the LEED rating system – which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – “provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.” LEED focuses on the “metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts (usgbc.org)."

The LEED for Homes rating system "promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes (usgbc.org).” It is one of several LEED rating systems, each of which is tailored to different building types and project scopes.

Projects can achieve one of four tiers of LEED certification - certified, silver, gold, and platinum - based on points awarded in the following eight categories:

  • Innovation and Design
  • Location and Linkages
  • Sustainable Sites
  • Water Efficiency
  • Energy and Atmosphere
  • Materials and Resources
  • Indoor Environmental Quality
  • Awareness and Education

Benefits of Green Homes

Owners and residents of homes built to the LEED for Homes standards experience many benefits.  Some of these benefits include:

  • Proximity to transit, employment centers, schools, restaurants and other community resources
  • Lower household operation costs due to high efficiency appliances, toilets, and building materials
  • Healthier air quality air due to low- and no-VOC paints and materials
  • Highly durable and energy efficient finishes and floors

Owners and residents of LEED for Homes buildings have the assurance of third party performance testing, verification and certification, ensuring their home is truly green.

LEED for Homes owners and residents can also take pride in being part of a nationally respected and recognized green home rating system.