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Ask a visitor their first thoughts about the Pacific Northwest and most make a comment about how our area is “so green.” But residents know it goes so much deeper than that. Here, green living is a passion. Recent studies rank Washington the second greenest state in the country, with high scores in water and soil quality and energy consumption from renewable sources.

When it comes to new housing developments, the U.S. Department of Energy encourages using “a whole-house systems approach [which] helps homeowners, architects, and builders develop successful strategies for optimizing home energy efficiency.” Their research shows that this whole-house approach results in “reduced utility and maintenance costs, increased comfort, reduced noise, a healthier and safer indoor environment, [and] improved building durability.”

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The Village at Mill Pond meets state energy efficiency requirements through the use of on-demand hot water heaters, ductless heat pumps, and green building practices.

In Olympia, this philosophy is embodied in the live/work/play community of The Village at Mill Pond. This growing residential and commercial development harkens back to its namesake as a village, with a blend of single family homes, apartments, commercial stores and restaurants, parks, trails, and ponds.

Like the landscaping, expansive green spaces, and outdoor opportunities, The Village at Mill Pond is green indoors as well. Architect Ron Thomas, builder Greg Amendala, and RE/MAX Broker Paul McLain were determined from the beginning to keep the project energy efficient and ahead of state-wide guidelines.

The Washington State Energy Code “regulates the design and construction of buildings for the effective use and conservation of energy over the useful life of each building.” It currently requires new buildings to apply energy credits to each new home constructed. At the Village at Mill Pond, these credits are made up through the use of such items as low flow toilets, on-demand hot water heaters, floor insulation, and ductless heat pumps. In the summer of 2016, state requirements will increase and the Village at Mill Pond team is ready.

Explains McLain, “We are eager to embrace these changes as customers in our region increasingly expect such efficiency in homes.” The 122 single family Craftsman homes will not only include high quality green build equipment and materials, but the development has space allotted for five parks, gardens, composting facilities, and a Community Center equipped with Energy Star appliances in its commercial grade kitchen.

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Buyers increasingly seek out green homes thanks to their lower utility costs and smaller environmental footprint.

The U.S. Green Building Council estimates that efficient single-family homes represent 26-33% of the market and that a “Harris Interactive poll of over 2,000 Americans found that nearly half (49%) consider eco-friendly features more important than luxury items in a home (31%).”

Thankfully, with The Village at Mill Pond, you don’t have to choose between the two. Their 11 different home styles offer the best of both for every wish list, want, or need. With customizable color palates, fixtures, and finishes, let your next home be more than you ever hoped for.

Though the economy and housing market are slowly recovering, people are living in their homes longer. When quality and luxury are combined with the low cost of green living, investing in The Village at Mill Pond pays off in more ways than one.

Call 360-972-8623 or email millpondteam@gmail.com with questions or simply drop by 2400 Lilly Road NE.

There are many new homes under construction and many of them have already been sold.

The sales office is open and staffed every day from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. with RE/MAX Parkside brokers available to answer questions or provide a tour to the model homes. Follow their Facebook page for frequent updates, photos, and special events.

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