Hard to believe, but according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its evaluation arm, Conservation Services Group (CSG), 53 Standish Street in Cambridge, MA is the first multi-unit residential building to be LEED-certified, which is the criteria for green development.

Constructed by AEDI Development, 53 Standish scores high with the following green building features:

- Within walking distance of public transportation and shops.
- Designated as an Energy Star-labeled home by CSG with a 93.3 rating, on a 100-point scale.
- Low-e argon windows, high-efficiency lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, recycled cellulose insulation, instantaneous water heaters, programmable thermostats, mechanical ventilation, and high-efficiency gas furnaces and air conditioners.
- Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, recycled fiber carpet, bamboo flooring and 90% Forest Stewardship Council-certified harvested wood content moldings.

So why did the developer invest all that time and knowledge in constructing such a green-worthy building?  As Lisa Rinkus, a CSG spokesperson simply puts it, “We’re seeing a lot of consumers demanding it.“