Hollyport Ventures, LLC

Hollyport Ventures LLC is committed to providing Richmond and its surrounding areas with the best architectural design and sustainable building practices. On March 30, 2009, Hollyport Ventures announced that it had filed the first application for residential certification of a Richmond property under the LEED for Homes program sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is an initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream homebuilding industry toward more sustainable practices. LEED for Homes is targeting the top 25% of new homes with the best practice environmental features. Under the direction of architect R. Michael Cross, LEED AP, Hollyport Ventures LLC is rehabilitating a home at 4600 Augusta Ave. in the City of Richmond. This 1938 structure, built many years before most of the practices promoted by the LEED for Homes program were created, poses many challenges. The goal of the Augusta Project is to renovate this home to meet the Platinum certification level of the LEED for Homes program. By doing so, it will demonstrate that high levels of sustainable design are achievable in simple home additions and are accessible to the average homeowner. Key features of this project will include use of a geothermal heating, cooling and hot water system, passive solar elements, superior insulation, improved water management, efficient lighting fixtures, and other innovative design elements. To qualify for certification, a home must be built following the guidelines set forth by the LEED for Homes program and meet stringent performance and design criteria in eight specific categories.