Olive Meadow earns LEED Platinum Certification for energy efficiency, environmental design

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Olive Meadow at Arrowhead Grove, part of a transformational public-private partnership in San Bernardino, has received LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Platinum is the highest designation under the council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program, underscoring the quality of design and construction that has gone into Olive Meadow by master developer National Community Renaissance (National CORE).

The announcement came as final preparations are being made for the September 28 grand opening of the beautiful 62-unit affordable apartment home community on the 38-acre Waterman Gardens complex.

Olive Meadow represents the second phase of the Arrowhead Grove Neighborhood Revitalization effort, which calls for more than 400 housing units, community amenities, upgraded infrastructure and an integrated educational environment. The first phase, Valencia Vista at Arrowhead Grove, also received LEED Platinum Certification.

The redevelopment, to be phased in over the next several years, represents a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership that includes the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino and the City of San Bernardino to fill a pressing demand for high-quality multifamily housing while spurring economic growth citywide. Other partners include the Clancy Company and the Hope through Housing Foundation.

“We’re proud to bring this state-of-the-art development to San Bernardino, and to serve as a catalyst for a citywide transformation,” said Steve PonTell, President and Chief Executive Officer of National CORE, one of the nation’s largest and most respected nonprofit community builders.

Since its founding more than two decades ago, National CORE has been nationally recognized for the quality and design of its communities. To qualify for LEED certification, developers must pass a rigorous set of design and building guidelines. Of those, only the best of the best achieve Platinum status.

LEED Platinum buildings are the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly structures around – carefully crafted, air sealed and insulated so heating and cooling systems can operate efficiently. Energy systems are sized correctly, and installation is verified to make sure they are running correctly. Water is conserved and managed. Indoor air quality is protected during construction and through day-to-day operations.