From Gated to Green: Florida's Diverse Communities

Florida is known for its diverse communities. Golf communities, boating communities, gated communities, retirement communities, and family communities are just some of the more typical Florida communities.

Current research suggests that a growing number of home buyers are considering green communities and/or sustainable communities in their search for a home. Home buyers are asking questions such as: Are environmental concerns or issues addressed in the covenants, codes and restrictions? Are the homes Energy Star® compliant? Have water conservation devices been installed in the homes? Does the community have a long-term environmental plan? Have any native area preservation strategies been employed? What materials have been used to build the home? What kind of irrigation system does the community have? Does the community have a green transportation system which includes convenient walking and biking paths? Did the developer have any third party "green" certification?

The Difference Between Sustainable Communities and "Green" Communities

According to NCAT (the National Center for Appropriate Technology), sustainable communities adopt a long-term community plan that considers economic, environmental, and cultural resources. By taking a collaborative, holistic approach to environmental issues and community concerns, this plan ensures that both present and future residents will have their needs met.

"Green" communities, on the other hand, are generally those that are built by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified builders. LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a nationally accepted set of standards for green construction. LEED projects can be rated on a scale as Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Green & Sustainable Communities in Florida

Two communities in Florida's Palm Beaches that are considered "green" and sustainable include Old Palm Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens and The Woodlands at Ibis Golf & Country Club in West Palm Beach.