Whether you’re already living in Houston or moving here for the first time, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the right space that best fits your lifestyle, especially if you’re looking for green living. You may not realize, but Houston has several options available for eco-friendly and sustainable living. As we work to create more bike programs, ride share and rail lines, it’s only natural that our living spaces tie in to help the environment, as well.
LEED-Certified Apartments in Houston
Back in 2012, The Dinerstein Companies developed one of the first LEED Platinum Certified apartment communities – not only in Houston, but in the country. When the company started its commitment to environmentally friendly housing in 2008, most folks weren’t familiar with LEED and what it meant. What is LEED? Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program designed by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED projects follow Green Building Practices that help the environment through indoor environmental quality, energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction and awareness of impact on environmental practices. Here are a few eco-friendly apartments available for rent in the Houston area:
The Millennium High Street
7600 Kirby Dr.
Houston, TX 77030
The Millennium High Street earned a LEED Silver Certification for its commitment to eco-friendly living as well as its efforts to control the carbon footprint of its facilities. Some of the environmental aspects include:
- Healthier air quality
- Fewer toxins in the environment
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy-efficient windows and appliances
- Preferred parking for energy-efficient vehicles
- On-site recycling for residents and more
The Millennium Six Pines
10200 Six Pines Dr.
Spring, TX 77380
This property, located in The Woodlands, was the first LEED-certified apartment community in The Woodlands and earned the Gold certification. In addition to the eco-friendly living features (same as The Millennium High Street above), The Millennium Six Pines also offers a balanced approach to living with Physical Wellness (such as non-toxic finishes/materials and ergonomic design), Environmental Wellness (such as increased natural light) and Social Wellness (such as community connectivity and gathering spaces for social events).
The Millennium Kirby
7600 Kirby Dr.
Houston, TX 77030
This community earned a LEED Silver Certification for its commitment to eco-friendly living as well as its efforts to control the carbon footprint of its facilities. Some of the environmental aspects include:
- Healthier air quality
- Fewer toxins in the environment
- Programmable thermostats
- Energy-efficient windows and appliances
- Preferred parking for energy-efficient vehicles
- On-site recycling for residents and more
Vantage Med Center
1911 Holcolmbe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
Vantage Med Center earned a LEED Silver Certification for its commitment to eco-friendly living as well as its efforts to control the carbon footprint of its facilities. Some of the environmental aspects include:
- Healthier air quality
- Fewer toxins in the environment
- Teal hot water systems
- Nest thermostats
- Energy-efficient windows and appliances
- Preferred parking for energy-efficient vehicles
- On-site recycling for residents and more
Eco-friendly Products for Your Home, Face, and More
Folks who want to make their living space or style eco-friendly shop at a variety of spots in Houston.
New Living
This boutique in Rice Village specializing in healthy living, sells homemade furniture, whole house water filtration systems, VOC free paint, natural and organic mattresses and bedding for nurseries. New Living’s mission is a triple bottom line: having a direct economic, social and environmental impact on the community.
HTX Made
HTX Made is the local company in the East End 2nd Ward that makes most of the furniture for New Living. This micro production facility is all about environmental responsibility and stylish design. They use local materials for their projects and work with local people in the community. You can find their handcrafted chairs at Axelrad in Midtown and tasting tables at JW Marriott downtown. Or their latest project is the Mini Parklet in the Heights complete with metal work, wooden bench and planters for Texas plants.
Hollywood Hippie
Hollywood Hippie is a local eco-friendly cosmetics company started by Brandie Siefert. She moved into the foster care system at 12 and aged out at 18. The retail manager at her job encouraged her to remind herself each day how she was beautiful and capable. Brandie started working as a makeup artist and later had celebrities requesting eco-friendly makeup products. Hollywood Hippie was born out of those requests for natural beauty products. Today she donates 100% of proceeds from her Cosmo Cause collection to support children in need at Pink Giraffe House, a home for homeless children 11-18.
Living a sustainable life becomes easier when you’re in Houston. From eco-friendly apartments to products, you can feel good when you’re living here. And if you need just a little extra space to make room for your sustainable items, you can always head to your local storage facility to help you out.
