Green Initiatives

Sunflowers near Milton, Delaware.Open Circle Communities-Delaware is designed to have a minimal environmental impact while providing the highest level of luxury and comfort. Our green efforts will start with the preparation of the building site, be applied through the construction phase, and integrated in the on-going life of the community. Open Circle Communities, in its effort to provide for the well-being of our residents and guests, is determined to provide a healthy environment in which to live. Many of our home features and site-construction plans utilize a simple and common-sense approach to achieving green by being efficient, reducing waste and focusing on the natural beauty and resources of our proposed wooded site in Milton.

Green buildings cost less to operate because they use less energy and water and require less maintenance. They have better indoor air quality because they minimize chemicals, mold and other harmful substances. And they have excellent resale value-because green buildings are quality buildings and they're built to last.

Here’s a sampling of just a few of the “green” actions we’ll take at Open Circle Communities–Delaware:

  • Optimize energy usage via building envelope and superior insulation and window design, mechanical system efficiency and heat recovery systems
  • Install low flow faucets and toilets
  • Use HVAC units that have zero use of CFC-based refrigerants
  • Dedicate recycling areas in each building and for the site
  • Use low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, carpets and composite wood products
  • Maximize renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal
  • Optimize daylight and outdoor views from all public buildings and living spaces while using decorative roof overhangs to block sun exposure
  • Install lights controlled by entrance and exit of rooms
  • Orient homes and buildings to maximize southern exposure
  • Monitor air delivery to help sustain comfort and well-being
  • Promote non-vehicular travel with close proximity to Milton town center and shopping areas and the inclusion of an interconnected internal trail system and bike racks
  • Provide incentives for alternative transportation with special parking allocation for hybrid/compact vehicles and bus stops adjacent to the site
  • Build parking areas landscaped and integrated into existing tree areas to reduce heat island effect
  • Use pavers, crushed stone, gravel and other pervious materials to optimize ground water infiltration
  • Protect wetland buffers and undisturbed water bodies
  • Practice infiltration and naturally vegetated stormwater management
  • Landscape with native and drought tolerant vegetation to reduce reliance on irrigation
  • Design rain gardens and underground cisterns for roof drainage
  • Implement a construction waste management program
  • Minimize site disturbance during construction
  • Use regional and rapidly renewable materials and building products that incorporate recycled content materials