Kentucky - Liberty Green Community Center Case Study
National Information
Region 4 Toolkits
Historic Preservation and Green Building
Green Building Standards, Certifications, Model Codes and Ordinances
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE 90.1)
- Green Advantage-credential program for construction personnel
- Green Footstep - Rocky Mt. Institute
- Green Globe for Buildings
- Green Seal
- International Green Construction Code
- US Green Building Council-Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Professional and Trade Associations
Sustainable Design and Green Building Guides and Products
- CDC Tips for a Green Home
- DSIRE: Database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency
- EPA Green Power Locator
- Forest Stewardship Council
- Green2Green - compare green building products
- International Living Future Institute
- National Resources Defense Council - Building Green
- Savannah College of Art and Design Emergent Structures Initiatives
- Sustainable Facilities Tool
- Sustainable Sites Initiative
- Whole Building Design Guide
Contact Information
Pollution Prevention and Innovation Team
U.S. EPA Region 4
r4sustainability@epa.gov
Background
Louisville, Kentucky recently received a grant from the HUD Hope VI program in order to replace the Clarksdale Homes public housing complex with the new Liberty Green Community Center. The goal of the new complex was to provide diversity housing along with recreational areas, commercial and office space. The $3,085,000 complex was constructed using green building techniques and is seeking Gold level LEED certification and has already achieved Energy Star Recognition.
Project Approach and Process
The construction process used recycled materials, as well as a special type of concrete that allows water to seep through it. Called permeable or pervious pavers, this product reduces rain run-off while recharging the underground water table.
All buildings in the center have 30% more energy efficiency than is required through the use of efficient insulation, geo-thermal heating and cooling systems, and Energy Star appliances. There is a geothermal well (which uses the earth as a heat source) along with an energy recovery ventilator, which can recover up to 80% of the heating/cooling energy that is normally exhausted from the building.
Further green measures inside the buildings include the use of Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFLs) with motion detectors, along with VOC-free paints and carpets. Windows in the center are triple-paned and have a special coating that reduces the amount of heat gained from solar radiation. Convenient recycling areas were created throughout the center for occupant use.

Permeable pavement in the parking lot allows water to go through it and reach the soil below.

Insulating concrete form.
Benefits |
The Liberty Green Community Center has the potential to not only help the Louisville population by providing affordable and appealing housing, but also by creating an environment-friendly complex as well. |
Homeowners have the chance to see how to green a home, and can use these techniques for future houses outside of the center. If the Liberty Green Community Center receives Gold LEED certification, it will be the ninth building in Louisville to do so and can build awareness of green building.
Contact Info
Louisville Metro Housing AuthorityBernard Pincus
502-569-3457
Brandstetter Carroll Inc.
Jill Lewis Smith, Architect
11605 Hazelwood Rd.
Louisville, KY 40223
(p) 502-244-1160
(f) 502- 244-1667