Press Room

FAQ: Green Building

What is ‘green building’?

Green building reduces the impact new development has on the environment by utilizing sustainable design, construction techniques, building system technologies, and materials. Arlie & Company’s Crescent Village will employ such “smart growth” principles and, in doing so, will conserve natural resources, promote the health of its inhabitants, and support the local economy.

What are the principles of ‘green’ building?

• Efficient use of natural resources & waste reduction
• Use of local & recycled materials
• Use of energy-efficient systems and materials
• Careful site planning to optimize climatic conditions, preserve open space, encourage pedestrian and mass transit, and allow for future flexibility & expansion
• Integration of natural daylight and ventilation for improved indoor environmental quality
• Water conservation and minimization of storm water run-off
• Reuse & recycling of construction materials

What are the benefits of living and working in a ‘green’ development?

Green building provides more than just a feeling of satisfaction from “doing the right thing.” It:

• Lowers energy costs for retail and residential occupants (high efficiency windows, HVAC units, fixtures, and appliances)
• Creates a healthy and welcoming work and living environment due to:
  • Improved air quality (non-toxic low- and no-VOC emitting interior finishes and high-efficiency fresh air ventilating systems)
  • Increased natural light and air (large, operable windows)
  • Increased physical activity (tenants walk more because a variety of goods and services are available within comfortable walking distance)
• Reduces the environmental impact of development (high-density, mixed-use site plan, native landscaping, and bioswales for onsite storm water treatment)
• Supports the local economy

How does the landscaping contribute to the ‘greenness’ of Crescent Village?

The landscaping at Crescent Village will play two important roles. First, the numerous street trees and buffer plantings will screen parking areas from pedestrians and beautify the development. Second, the landscaping elements at Crescent Village will help to improve the air, water, and soil quality within the development and the entire community. Native plant species, which are hardy and easy to maintain, will reduce the need for irrigation and prevent the invasion of invasive non-natives. The “creeks” throughout the urban village will be planted with these native species, creating bioswales: landscape features that treat storm water before it enters the City’s water system.

What recognition has Crescent Village received for being a ‘green’ development?

Crescent Village is a Green Building Demonstration Project, one of only three projects chosen by the City of Eugene to receive this honor. The program is designed to collect information about the design, development, and construction of innovative new green building projects in Eugene. The City of Eugene will then use the information gathered about what works and what doesn’t to develop policies and programs that will encourage future green building projects and better support the organizations that build them.

Why is building ‘green’ important to Arlie & Company?

Arlie & Company is committed to sustainable building practices. As a local company whose business is closely connected to the land, we’re keenly aware of our responsibility to act as responsible stewards of the environment we all share. We believe that by aggressively applying sustainable concepts, technologies, and materials to the design and construction of Crescent Village, we’re creating a healthy environment for our residents and a lasting contribution to our community.