GREENBELT, MD - Bozzuto Homes, a subsidiary of The Bozzuto Group of companies, will host a groundbreaking event today at 11:00am EDT at Towson Green, a new sustainable townhome development in Baltimore County. The community has been recognized for its environmental achievements by The Chesapeake Fund, a non-profit project that works to reduce the amount of the Chesapeake Bay's two biggest pollutants – nitrogen and phosphorous.
Towson Green sits on a nine-acre site in the heart of Towson and will offer 121 new modern design homes. Tom Bozzuto, CEO of The Bozzuto Group, said that the groundbreaking reflects the company's positive outlook on the residential market in northern Baltimore County.
More than a year ago, Bozzuto Homes began working with The Chesapeake Fund to determine the environmental impact of the storm water run-off and energy usage of the proposed development. Through a detailed analysis and assessment, The Chesapeake Fund was able to offer recommendations for ways to tangibly reduce the development's environmental impact on the Chesapeake Bay – steps which are being taken by Bozzuto Homes as construction commences, including:
Installation of underground sand filters that will treat storm water to reduce its phosphorous and nitrogen loads and recharge it to the subsoils .
Creation of a rain garden, a bio-retention area consisting of aquatic plantings that will treat storm water run-off, complete with walkways and benches.
Implementation of sustainable design, construction, and finishes, as well as ENERGY STAR appliances, which will enable Towson Green to achieve the NAHB National Green Building Standard™ Silver Level.
Creation of eco-friendly landscape maintenance manual for homeowners.
"When development is done the right way, it can actually provide a net positive to the environment, as Bozzuto has shown us. The steps being taken to treat storm water run-off and increase the energy efficiency of the Towson Green development have a direct effect on the Chesapeake Bay, and we are grateful for Bozzuto's forward-thinking with regard to the environment," said Dan Nees, director of Chesapeake Fund project.
"Towson Green is an important part of the revitalization that is taking place throughout downtown Towson," said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. "Even at a time when not many developers are moving forward with new residential projects, savvy companies like Bozzuto are still investing in Baltimore County."
"Bozzuto Homes is making a strong commitment to its homebuyers by having all homes in this community Green Certified to the National Green Building Standard," according to Michael Luzier, President and CEO of the NAHB Research Center, the independent, third-party provider of the national certification. "A lot of builders talk about providing value, efficiency, and peace of mind in the homes they build, but in Towson Green, buyers don't have to just take the builder's word for it. These homes are designed and constructed to meet the National Green Building Standard and every one will be twice-inspected to ensure that the homes deliver on these green promises."
"We are thrilled to be part of the revitalization of Towson and are so proud that in Towson Green, we are creating homes that will actually enhance the environment in which they are being built," said Tom Baum, president, Bozzuto Homes, Inc. "Working with The Chesapeake Fund and has taught us how simple changes can make a real impact on the Bay and on our most precious resource – water."
Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area, The Bozzuto Group is a diversified residential real estate company consisting of six integrated companies – Acquisitions, Construction, Development, Homebuilding, Land Development and Property Management – that together provide a broad range of real estate services throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The company is committed to providing quality housing for individuals of all income levels, producing everything from luxury homes and apartments to affordable housing solutions.
Source: The Bozzuto Group