Silo Ridge - Sustainable Community:

Sustainable Community

Overview:
Millbrook Ventures is committed to making this resort environmentally sensitive utilizing a sustainable approach. This sustainable approach was envisioned by the owner of Millbrook Ventures when he first purchased the property. The natural beauty of the site, its natural resources and proximity to the rail station enhance this vision. The attributes of the site itself along with methods anticipated to be implemented will help achieve this sustainable goal. Our approach is to offer an active, vibrant, and healthy lifestyle community that will provide high quality, healthy and efficient facilities and residences, while preserving and protecting the natural resources of the community.

The sustainable approach will conserve resources, utilize energy more efficiently, and reduce operation and maintenance costs which in turn will make a positive difference in contributing to a more sustainable world and will provide long term value. The resort staff will be stewards of the resort environment. The healthy lifestyle approach of the resort will not end with the buildings and grounds as the cuisine will also be reflective of the owner's passion for organic and locally sourced offerings.

The Applicant has registered for and is pursuing LEED Silver certification for the hotel, spa, and clubhouse and is seeking Energy Star certification for residential units. All of the homes will meet Energy Star requirements and the project is compliant with Audubon International's standards for new development.

LEED certification is a program offered by The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
USGBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization with a vision of a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national rating system for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED addresses all building types and emphasizes state-of-the-art strategies in five areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials and resources selection, and indoor environmental quality. The foundation for the sustainable approach to the resort is summarized in the LEED for New Construction Registered Project Checklist (see appendix). This checklist outlines many of the items for that will help achieve the sustainable goal.

Silo Ridge Resort offers the following, among others, in its goal of sustainability:

  • BikingProximity to rail station
  • Shuttle service for customers to and from rail station and hamlet of Amenia
  • Proximity to bike path
  • Bike availability, bike racks and storage
  • Promoting healthy lifestyle including walking, biking running, golfing, swimming, physical fitness in general along with healthy food choices
  • Below grade parking
  • Roof gardens on two parking structures
  • 80% open space
  • Restore portion of wetlands LL
  • Protection of many habitats utilizing the Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP) and Habitat Management Plan (HMP)
  • Protection of water resources using NRMP, HMP and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
  • Lighting parameters that reduce light pollution
  • Pervious surfaces on many sidewalks and patios Using pervious materials at the winery restaurant parking, and draining that through a buffer planting area.
  • Southern exposure for many buildings

 

As the building and engineering work advances, many more opportunities for water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation during design will become evident and be analyzed in furtherance of the resort's sustainable vision.

Sustainable Resort Components Reviewed:


The Project - Links

Robert A.M. Stern:

"Silo Ridge has been designed as a series of buildings grouped around green spaces which tuck into the natural topography in a manner of historic towns, farmsteads and villages in the surrounding Dutchess County countryside, where small pockets of development preserve open space. The proposed landscape plan builds on goals outlined by Audubon International to create a community that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings. This harmony of building siting and landscape design will create the sense of having arisen organically over time." Robert A.M. Stern


"You have a beautiful piece of land in a beautiful part of the world……so, we start with the land, and we try to be light on the land," Robert A.M. Stern.


Ernie Els:

... in order to create classic golf courses of distinction.
"We will achieve this by formulating unique relationships with the world's finest developers who share our lofty ambitions. Together, we will create attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practice."



"Bring the natural look and flare of the site. We really want to make it a world-class golf course." Ernie Els


Leading Hotels of The World



"Throughout its history, The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. has been dedicated to delivering an authentic experience of luxury and hospitality to its guests. Above and beyond all of the changes the world has witnessed over eight decades, this commitment has remained the focus of our business," said Ted Teng, president and chief executive officer.