Homes receive highest sustainability certification

BRADENTON — The United States Green Building Council awarded 70 houses in the Mirabella community in Bradenton LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of LEED certification, which is a measure of resource efficiency and sustainability.

The 70 houses are the first houses completed and occupied in the community. There are 37 houses at Mirabella under construction and 53 lots remaining, according to a press release. The community also plans for those 90 houses to earn LEED Platinum certification.

“We set out to not only build the highest quality homes in their category in the region, but also pledged to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly all across our active adult community,” says Mirabella developer and President Marshall Gobuty in a statement. “Earning LEED Platinum status for each home adds greater value to the homes today and in the future.”

According to a press release, the LEED certified houses at Mirabella use about 40% less energy than a typical home.

Mirabella plans to add solar power to its community center, spa and swimming pool to convert it from propane and electricity. The community is partnering with the Florida Solar Energy Center at the University of Central Florida and solar contractor 15 lightyears on the project.