Mission
Greenbelt is a high performance green building seeking LEED certification and designated as an Energy $mart Target Zone by the New York State Research and Development Authority to act as a beacon for energy efficient design and education. As such, Greenbelt has led many public tours of the building for architects, developers and environmentalists, like the recent North East Solar Energy Association’s visit in October 2007.
The developers Derek Denckla (Propeller Group) and Gregory Merryweather, Architect, wanted to take this commitment to sustainable living further than the building itself, to address a broader array of lifestyle choices that impact the environment. Hence, Greenbelt teamed up with non-profit community partners such as GreenHomeNYC and New York Industrial Retention Network to plan and host a showcase of green products and services that we titled “GreenHouse Effect.”
As we have reached out the environmental activist community and the green design world, Greenbelt and its community partners have received a groundswell of generosity and support for these events. All told, GreenHouse Effect has received commitments from over fifty different green business to provide discounted or free products and services in support of these varied and thoughtful events. All of the events are organized around a model apartment furnished with green fixtures, food and furniture providing a vivid 360 degree view on how to make green, greener, and greenest choices—from compact fluorescent lightbulbs to bamboo towels. Interior design services have been provided pro bono by Chip Cordelli and Chris Kraig. Landscape and planting design provided by Carmen DeVito of Groundworks and Tides.
We have been amazed with the generosity of our partners and the astounding array of talents that they have brought together to make these events unique and exciting, with a potential to help and impact all of us who ask that simple question: How can I make my life more green?
Thanks for your interest in our project to green this little corner of Brooklyn.