Staff writer Mary Gale Hare wrote today about a building called Spencer's Crossing in Timonium that just became the state's first residential project to achieve gold status for leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council. It's a nonprofit that certifies all kinds of buildings as green.

Spencer's Crossing is a 10-home development, and the gold rating means buyers will qualify for a 60 percent property tax reduction for three consecutive years after the purchase and can expect to save more than 50 percent on energy costs.

Overlook Clipper Mill in Baltimore was the first housing project in Maryland to get the certification, but there are more buildings with the stamp now and more in the pipeline. So, stay tuned.

If you want to learn more, here are some frequently asked questions and their ansers.
 

Baltimore Sun photo of Spencer's Crossing opening ceremony/Barbara Haddock Taylor