First Green Shopping Center Planned for Maryland

Maryland’s first green-certified shopping center will be built in Eldersburg, Md., by fall 2008, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun.

The $20 million project will encompass 90,000 square feet and will include green features like a solar daylighting system, a rainwater recycling system and white pavers that reflect light.

The center is on track to become the first retail project in the state to earn the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification, according to the report.

Maryland has 17 LEED-certified projects, including offices, hotels, a day care center and an elementary school.