LEED FOR HOMES

The Gold Standard Became the Platinum

LEED is the gold standard in environmental and sustainable building and Thomas Development Co. is proud to be a leader with its implementation. We are dedicated to the highest levels of environmental consciousness and sustainability; a commitment reflected in our developments. Our communities are affordable, walkable, and environmentally friendly.

Environmental awareness has risen significantly throughout the United States in the past decade. Some cities are requiring environmentally sustainable construction, and most state housing agencies either require it or provide incentives in the competitive scoring process.

The US Green Building Council's LEED certification process works by awarding points for concrete measures taken in the categories of

Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy Performance
Material and Resource Use
Indoor Environmental Quality

This translates into efficient heating and cooling systems, water-conserving fixtures, energy efficient lighting, low- or no-VOC materials and particle board made without formaldehyde, among other important areas of focus.

Based on its design and points awarded in specific categories, a development can earn Basic, Silver, Gold, or Platinum certification.

Thomas Development Co. is on the leading edge in this effort to build safe and durable developments, and draws on a deep well of expertise to finance, design, and build sustainable, environmentally-friendly communities.

THOMAS DEVELOPMENT CO. HAS BEEN FIRMLY

COMMITTED TO GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES SINCE 2007

Following extensive research, Thomas Development Co. became a member of the US Green Building Council and made the decision to pursue LEED for Homes certification. While there are numerous green rating systems, we chose LEED because of its third-party verification system, which ensures the highest level of quality assurance and accountability by all members of a design team.

We are confident that our investment in certification fees and increased construction and administration costs will be quickly offset by savings in:

utility costs
decreased maintenance
enhanced livability for our residents

To further our commitment and dedication to sustainable building practices,

in August 2009 we became the first Founding Sponsor of the

U.S. Green Building Council Idaho Chapter.

In 2010 we unveiled Idaho's first two LEED for Homes Platinum certified developments, both of which are 48-unit residential developments for seniors:

Rosslare | Idaho Falls, Idaho

Cardona | Chubbuck, Idaho

Since that time, we have completed additional LEED Platinum-certified developments:

Meadowlands |Butte, Montana

Summerhill | Idaho Falls, Idaho

Bandon River | Idaho Falls, Idaho

Valencia | Fruitland, Idaho

We aren't stopping there: we are working on more developments, furthering our commitment to sustainable building and enhanced livability with on-the-ground results.

The US Green Building Council substantially increased numerous certification requirements, particularly involving air infiltration and transfer. When this occurred, we consulted with our architect, mechanical engineer, and general contractors and determined that the cost to meet these new standards is not something we could afford given the rent limitations and regulations of our affordable housing communities. Nonetheless, we continue our construction requirements to the highest level of environmental stewardship and responsibility consistent with the financial resources available for our affordable housing communities.

ENERGY STAR

Thomas Development Co. has uniformly and consistently complied with all requirements of the ENERGY STAR program. The US Environmental Protection Agency calls ENERGY STAR "the little label with a big message," and Thomas Development Co. is advancing that big message with its new homes and apartments throughout the West.

ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy-efficient products, ranging from light bulbs to kitchen appliances. By using ENERGY STAR-certified products in the homes we build and renovate, we're ensuring that our residents' bills are manageable, that our carbon footprint is low, and that we're working for sustainable, livable communities for our residents and their communities.

A joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars—all while saving $19 billion in utility bills.

Thomas Development Co. is proud to be part of energy solutions with each new development we unveil.