“Green building is hardly a new concept in architecture. Though architects have been developing environmentally friendly practices since the 1960's, green building is just now reaching mainstream culture. In support of these efforts, the New Urban Home at Blue Star Corner will participate in the first ever LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System pilot certification program. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the only nationally recognized green building certification in the United States. Through the United States Green Building Council, LEED is developing the first ever green rating system for single family homes, and Blue Star Corner is one of only nine projects in California involved in this process. The success of this pilot program will determine standards for environmentally sustainable homes across America. Blue Star Corner is the only participating project that is developing an urban infill site, a unqiue aspect of its sustainability. Blue Star Corner fulfills the standards for this pilot program in various ways, but looks to Europe as to how the built form can promote sustainable and walkable communities. Blue Star Corner is within walking distance of Emeryville City Hall, parks, restaurants, retail districts, an elementary school and YMCA, as well as AC Transit (and thier emission-free buses) and BART (the most technologically advanced and sustainable mass transit in this country). The homes are high density, the landscape will feature native, low-water planting materials, and each home will be complete with Energy-Star certified appliances. Measures taken during the construction process will minimize waste and ensure that air quality in the homes will always be ventilated and clean. LEED for Homes certification is voluntary, but now is the time to accept no less for the preservation of our neighborhoods, our health, and our finite wealth of natural resources.”