The Haven at Odenton Gateway has achieved the “first” National Green Building Standard™ Silver certification by NAHB

From left to right: Spencer Merritt, Roddey Jordan, Tyler Cooper, Foster Chapman, George Johnson and Ben Graves.

(TheNicheReport) -- Odenton, Maryland – Johnson Development Associates, a multi-family residential developer headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., has achieved the first National Green Building Standard Silver certification for a multi-family residential project in the state of  Maryland.

The Company’s Haven at Odenton Gateway project earned the certification because of several green features.  The 252-unit community, which opened in April 2012, features enhanced storm-water treatment; native landscaping selections; low-volume irrigation system; on-site recycling facility; high efficiency windows, lighting and HVAC, innovative insulation and air-sealing, Energy Star appliances; and  third-party inspection and performance verification.

Johnson Development is proud to be the first developer to achieve the National Green Building Standard in both Virginia with The Haven at Celebrate Virginia and now The Haven at Odenton Gateway. “A major factor in constructing a NGBS Silver-qualified building was in response from the residents and their families who expressed interest in environmental conservation and energy savings,” stated Ben Graves, President of the Multi-family Division at Johnson Development Associates.

On May 31st, Delegate Cathy Vitale, Maryland House of Delegates District 33A, Michael Luzier, President/CEO of NAHB Research Center, and representatives from Johnson Development Associates - including George Dean Johnson, Chairman and Ben Graves, President of the Multi-family Division shared in the presentation.  More than 60 attendees including the project design and construction teams, representatives from the NGBS, and members of the media were on hand to share in the festivities.

“The National Green Building Standard™ Silver certification ceremony is about recognizing a project such as this,” stated Michael Luzier. “This project serves as a model that provides high-performance green initiatives; are healthy, productive places to live; are less costly to operate and maintain; and have a reduced environmental footprint,” he continued.

“We are very proud to have our newest community be a model and an educational showpiece for our industry and our guests,” said Ben Graves. “We are also very grateful for the continued support of the NAHB Research Center and the commitment that Anne Arundel County has shown by encouraging sustainable communities.”