Rather than re-inventing the green wheel, the City staff smartly decided it would be more effective and efficient to point to other rigorous programs and recognizes those as qualifying for the City's program. Homeowners and developers who choose to participate in the Falls Church City Green Home Award Program will be awarded for doing something positive to improve the sustainability of the environment and the community. We were the first house to submit an application for this program and we hope our construction pace picks up so we're the first house to be awarded under the program!
The City hasn't yet announced what the award will be. We'd love it if it were exemption from real estate taxes, but that's highly unlikely! From our perspective, we're not doing this for any recognition or award; green construction simply is the right thing to do.
Here's a picture of the City's sign in our front yard.
Good luck in the contest. I hope you win. Your house is especially unique because you've used dirt from the property to make the bricks used in its construction. And, I agree, you probably won't win a reprieve from your property taxes, especially with the budget issues Falls Church is facing.
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