Environment Sensitivity

Bear Crossing has taken every opportunity to preserve the natural ecosystem of the mountain terrain. A careful site evaluation early in the development process guided the design of the Bear Crossing community. Solar access, soils, vegetation, and natural terrain were all taken into consideration. These efforts have resulted in a highly acclaimed escape for our residents.

Bear Crossing has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, and with this commitment the company is doing its part to support green business practices. “Bear Crossing is pleased to join a growing number of companies that have made a commitment to the environment,” said Anthony P. Solo, developer of Bear Crossing. “Our overall impact isn’t huge – we’re a small community – but every company has the potential to ‘green’ their operations and help address environmental threats. We're happy to be part of the solution.”

Siting and Land Use
This early site evaluation highlighted the tremendous location and view. The Bear Crossing location abuts the Big Sky Trail system for warm weather hiking, and the Winter Park ski bus line stops just outside the community for ski season. Minimum commuting to enjoy the natural wonder of the area.

Conserving the small dense site minimized development impact. Buildings are located in clusters and attached to maximize open space and preserve wildlife habitats. The east and southeast site exposure maximize the natural light for passive solar heating and daylighting.

The building process was also aligned with environmental stewardship. Instead of exploiting resources of concrete, steel and trucks for transport, boulders from the site were harvested and reserved for later use for site retaining walls.

The location of Bear Crossing assures spring runoff from the mountain top will nurture the spring's new growth, conserving water for irrigation.

Design
Homeowners at Bear Crossing will directly benefit from green building practices: lower energy bills and healthier longer-lasting homes. But the cumulative effect of green building can have enormous benefits for the community, the nation and the planet.

High Efficiency boilers heat your water and your home. Separate thermostats for in-floor radiant heat and forced air heat sustain the desired temperature in your home. The regulated air flow improves your air quality. High R value insulation, Low-E insulating glass and tight construction improve your energy costs year round. In warm weather Low-E glass reflects the sun's energy and prevents it from entering the home. In cold weather it reduces the amount of heat loss by reflecting it back inside.

High-efficiency appliances offer both economic and environmental advantages. Fireplaces at Bear Crossing are gas fireplaces in lieu of woodburning to keep your home clean and protect the trees and air quality.

Bear Crossing has been designed for durability to spread the environmental impact of building over as long a period as possible. Its "timeless architecture" is likely to realize a long life.

The tiered Bear Crossing site features water-efficient, low-maintenance landscaping. Drought-resistant native plants and perennial groundcovers promote the conservation of water and avoid pesticide use and the pollution generated from mowing.

Bear Crossing has been a responsible partner with the environment.