While some people picture the ultimate green home nestled in the back woods, an urban location offers many benefits for sustainability that are not available in a more remote location. Sustainability is the first consideration when choosing a site for a green building or project. Some urban communities recognize that their locations are sustainable and make a point to capitalize on their inner-city assets to green not just their homes, but also their neighborhoods. These initiatives provide us with models to follow in greening our own communities.

The Cleveland EcoVillage
   In the mid-'90s, the concept of an urban EcoVillage in Cleveland was born. EcoCity Cleveland – a local nonprofit environmental planning organization with a focus on designing cities in balance with nature in Northeast Ohio – and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization joined forces to realize this project. It focuses on the area around the West 65th Street Rapid Station in Cleveland, and its goal is to redevelop this urban neighborhood, incorporate ecological design and demonstrate that city life can be both sustainable and rewarding. The Cleveland EcoVillage has already made great strides and continues to advance projects that improve the residents' quality of life.

• Use public transportation to reduce dependence on cars
   Since the community is within a five-minute walk of the West 65th Street Rapid Station, residents of the neighborhood are driving less, which decreases fuel consumption and pollution in the area. As an added benefit, residents are getting their exercise by walking to the rapid. The newly rebuilt rapid station itself is now safer for riders and incorporates sustainable design and materials.

• Be part of the community planning process
   One EcoVillage goal was to make a variety of housing types available to maintain the rich diversity of the community. Green single-family homes and town homes (some with versatile in-law suites) were designed and constructed with input from the local neighborhood. New development was designed to enrich the neighborhood and prevent displacement of current residents.

• Learn green strategies from your neighbors
   Last year, a home built in 1916 was used to demonstrate a green rehab of the existing housing stock. Open houses were held in order that the public and contractors could learn about the strategies used to achieve energy efficiency, water efficiency and healthy indoor air quality in existing similar homes.

• Take advantage of community gardening opportunities and locally grown produce
   A stroll down the EcoVillage Walking Path takes one through the community's brick alleys and green spaces, including the community garden. By growing some of their own veggies, residents have their own fresh, healthy produce. The community also boasts easy access to farmers' markets and other businesses that sell locally grown food, which continues to keep dollars circulating in the local economy.

Shaker Heights
   In this inner-ring suburb, the community is made more sustainable through efforts that span city departments. For the Department of Neighborhood Revitalization, it means developing a more understandable system for home-energy audits, programs for existing residents (like their window-repair fair) and guiding the construction of new green homes on empty lots. For the Shaker Heights Planning Department it includes 160 new housing units on the transit lines at Shaker Town Center and a street-pattern design that keeps it pedestrian friendly. Segments of unnecessary road are also being converted to green space.

• No space is too small to green
   Residents in Shaker Heights get involved by applying for neighborhood grants to fund beautification projects. Butterfly gardens and hanging baskets are examples of little touches that create green space and habitat, giving the town a friendlier feeling while at the same time conserving land. Shaker residents also have the option of nominating their neighbors as “Stars of Shaker Heights” for creating homes that enhance the neighborhoods.

Lakewood
   The Committee for a Greener Lakewood is focused on reducing the city's ecological footprint. In addition to providing information on greening both homes and local businesses, they acknowledge residents' efforts in sustainability by recommending individuals or businesses to City Council for the city's new Go Green Awards.

• Participate in local programs
   Green landlord Carolyn Bentley purposely chose Lakewood when buying a home and rental property. Both underwent a green rehab because it was in-line with her goals. The city impressed her with its citywide recycling program, the efforts of the Committee for a Greener Lakewood and the easy access to public transportation. With high-density housing and convenient access to restaurants and grocery stores, it is easy to be car-free in Lakewood.

   If you are shopping for a green home, there is more to consider than what's within its four walls. Part of our lessening our impact on the earth and living a healthier lifestyle is what's outside our front door. Your community is your home, too.

Melanie Kintner loves showing off her native Cleveland. She has studied anthropology, economics and environmental science, and she enjoys blending all three in support of more sustainable practices. Ms. Kintner currently serves as the Director of Education for the Cleveland Green Building Coalition. For more information, e-mail melanie@clevelandgbc.org, call (216) 961-8850 or visit www.clevelandgbc.org.

Photos by Bob Perkoski, www.Perkoski.com.