| Why we're green | |
At Serenbe, we hold the notion that a community is a living part of its natural surroundings, not something to be built at nature's expense. From the ground up, we've taken a new look at community development, and have based every facet of Serenbe design on traditional values and the principles of environmental sustainability. Some elements of this design are obvious, while others are subtle or even unseen. Development Design Each Serenbe building project is designed to flow with the terrain, disturbing our natural landscape as little as possible. The entire community is laid out with accessible pathways to encourage walking. Native plants and organic landscaping techniques are used exclusively throughout Serenbe, eliminating the need for chemicals and expensive lawn maintenance. EarthCraft Houses All homes are built to the standards of the EarthCraft House Program. These standards include energy efficiency, low maintenance, air quality, water conservation, and resource-efficient building materials and systems. An EarthCraft House is a healthy, comfortable home that reduces utility bills and protects the environment. Wastewater Treatment Using newly designed, yet inexpensive reuse water techniques, treated effluent water is reused for irrigation and future water supply for toilets. Other wastewater is treated in a two-stage chemical-free passive system that incorporates non-disruptive filtration and dispersion. Storm Water Management Rather than creating concrete spillways that concentrate storm runoff, Serenbe storm water runoff is directed into natural systems of vegetated filter strips and shallow channels of dense vegetation. These natural filters remove pollutants while dispersing water flow. Organic Farming Serenbe Farms is a 25-acre working, organic farm located at Serenbe and part of the national Community Supported Agriculture partnership, Serenbe Farms provides organic produce throughout Atlanta and The Chattahoochee Hill Country. Land Preservation The 1,000 acres of Serenbe lie in the heart of 40,000 acres protected with a master plan that calls for 80% green space. Building sites are limited to 220 homes, including live/work spaces, and commercial buildings. |