Sustainable Real Estate Development

Our Sustainable Action Plan

We understand that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement in reducing waste and energy use and in utilizing more sustainable building practices.

That’s why we commissioned The Brendle Group and Colorado State University’s Institute for the Built Environment in ’07 to facilitate a company-wide action plan for sustainability. The plan aligned our core values with a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit. The action plan created a path to achieve measurable levels of sustainable development practices both within our company and within our communities.

We are taking it one step further and partnering with Conservation International to help protect nature as a source of food, fresh water and a stable climate. Conserving nature and its benefits is imperative to help maintain a prosperous world.

Our proud partnership with High Plains Environmental Center

One of the cornerstones of our commitment to sustainability is High Plains Environmental Center (HPEC), a not-for-profit local organization responsible for protecting 275 acres of Centerra’s lakes, wetlands and open space.

Formed in 2001 through a partnership with McWhinney and McStain Neighborhoods, HPEC offers educational programs for the members of our community, demonstrates restorative examples of land-stewardship for native plant and wildlife habitat, and supports local developers, planners, consultants and residents on sustainable design.

Current Projects to Elevate Sustainability Across our Developments

HPEC Nursery: Located at Centerra, the HPEC nursery serves as a source of plant production, a gathering place for residents, and a hands-on learning experience for people of all ages. This community resource allows students the opportunity to engage with professionals in horticulture, agriculture, biology and many more environment-focused professions.

Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes: Guided by the Butterfly Pavilion, Baseline will set a new standard for sustainability with a pollinator-friendly model. Where birds, bees, butterflies, and humans will find healthy habitat among the flowers and trees.

Water-Wise Landscaping: Water use will be devoted to enhancing the site’s species, habitat and landscape diversity. The Centerra Design Guidelines and Design Review Committee will mandate all construction projects in the community utilize regionally appropriate landscapes including native plants adapted to Colorado’s climate and high altitude, requiring less water.

Roadway Test Plots: Test plots will be created along major arterial road curbs, studying over two years which types of grasses can withstand the treatments used during winter snow plowing as well as the rate of establishment from seeding and other planting methods.

Landscape Construction Specifications: Centerra will incorporate detailed installation requirements for all landscape projects. The specifications are based on more than 20 years of experience managing the landscapes in the community and will include the involvement of HPEC during the construction process.