FARMINGTON – Developers of a senior housing complex here have received a $50,000 grant to help them obtain Gold level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

Coastal Enterprises Inc., a non-profit community development and finance organization, received the grant this week from The Home Depot Foundation to make improvements to the Western Glen development.

Site work has started at Western Glen, located off Wilton Road on land between Dr. Jan Roberts’ chiropractic office and Silver Shear hair salon, with expectations that construction of the 23 cottage units will be completed by next summer.

The green features funded by the grant include wall framing with insulated concrete forms, better air ventilation and environmentally friendly siding that avoids petroleum-based vinyl, said Grace Cleaves from CEI.

“Indoor air quality and energy efficiency are the two primary focus areas for CEI’s new developments,” said John Egan, CEI housing developer.

LEED certification provides verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. Some benefits realized by LEED-certified buildings include conservation of energy and water, healthier and safer environments for occupants, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and lower operating costs.

The Home Depot Foundation supports organizations that create affordable, healthy housing for working families and seniors, said Kelly Caffarelli, president of the foundation.