Sustainability

The Pearl was awarded the first residential Fitwel Certification in the world in 2018. The Fitwel Certification System fosters positive impacts on occupant health and wellbeing through improvements to building design and operations and was developed by experts in public health and design, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the General Services Administration (GSA). The Pearl received a 2 Star Fitwel Rating by incorporating nearly 50 unique evidence-based design and policy strategies that support the physical, mental, and social health of its residents.

The Pearl delivers a unique living experience: a place for balance with room to grow and breathe that is connected to the urban world but rooted in the natural world. Residents enjoy over 30,000 SF of open space at The Pearl; with a variety of areas to play with their children, dine with their neighbors and friends, and reflect in quiet spaces and gardens to rebalance their life.

The Pearl’s on-site solar panels generate 4,500 kWh annually, equivalent to approximately 5000, 30-minute treadmill workouts per year. The solar system is also uniquely integrated into 1,250 square feet of green roof, the first system of its kind in the DC Metro area.

At The Pearl, we encourage all types of alternative transportation. That’s why we’ve included an indoor and secure resident bike room located on the first level of the garage. The bike room has space for more than 100 bikes and also includes a bike fix-it station and maps of downtown Silver Spring, MD and Washington, DC for convenience.

Recharging is good for the soul. When you’re not using alternative transportation, plug into one of The Pearl’s four Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. The Pearl also has preferred parking spaces for Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) adjacent to the elevator lobby in the garage.

In an effort to improve the health and wellness of residents at The Pearl, we’ve built a 5,000 square foot Urban Farm on-site. The Urban Farm is professionally managed to ensure fresh produce exclusively for residents through a basket sharing program each month. The Pearl hosts Pop-Up dinners weekly in the entertainment kitchen with healthy meals prepared by professional chefs using produce from the Urban Farm. You can also attend frequent healthy cooking demonstrations supported by the Urban Farm and bring healthy cooking practices to your apartment home.

Diverting waste from landfills is one of The Pearl’s missions. Our goal is to divert 70% of the buildings waste from landfills by 2020. To do that, we have created a robust recycling and composting program complete with signage and guidance to make it easy for residents. Our program includes mixed paper recycling, commingled recycling, composting, electronic recycling, and landfill waste.