Grow Community, a new neighborhood on Bainbridge Island, was recently named by FastCompany.com as the most sustainable neighborhood in the U.S.
“Grow Community is not the first place to have net zero energy homes, community gardens, carsharing, or any of its other features, but it’s the first community to have all of those features, by design, from its inception,” the article states.
Not only is BGI IslandWood’s newest neighbor sustainable, several BGI alums have contributed to the project. Alums Lauren Haire, Greg Lotakis, Justin Davis, and Mercy Rome all are working to make Grow Community a reality.
Sustainability is fully integrated into the neighborhood. Building construction includes everything from local, sustainable wood siding to solar panels on every roof. Located within a short walk or bike ride from local shops and the ferry to Seattle, homes have a rather small food and transportation footprint. In addition to sustainable design, Grow Community was also constructed to be a place where people have the chance to interact. “Microhoods” with shared yards and community gardens ensure neighbors get to know each other.