"Better is not good enough to meeting the demands of climate crisis and climate emergency," he said. "We need to act with the urgency that an emergency requires and show that we're actually performing to the standards we need."

THRIVE's design is aimed to meet "Living Community" standards, the most rigorous environmentally friendly performance standards for buildings. In addition, Avalon Housing has registered for a "Living Building" recognition, said Grocoff.

The goal is to power the entire Veridian at County Farm neighborhood with solar energy.