Sponsored Post

How to Pick a Green Home in Center City Living

As Philly recently announced its 100 renewable energy goals, residents are putting an increasing amount of thought into how to make the best choices to live a sustainable lifestyle.

Whether it is shopping at one of the city’s numerous locally sourced farmer’s markets, hopping on a bike share for the morning commute or cultivating a plot in your local community garden, Philly residents are practicing what they preach.

One of the newest contributors to the Philly’s growing green trend is housing. Environmentally-conscious renters are increasingly looking for homes that invest in green technology and sustainable design as well as create a positive community impact.

Philadelphia renters have the choice of not one, but two of the only green residences in Center City. Southstar Lofts and 777 South Broad were both designed with an eye towards sustainability. These two LEED Silver Certified (short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings, boast some of the finest green features that any Center City residence has to offer.

3 Ways To Choose a Sustainable Home in Center City

  1. Bike around town. Participate in the Dranoff Bike Share Program, which is offered free of charge to all residents at 777 South Broad and Southstar Lofts. Simply sign out your bike at the front desk and in minutes you’re cruising Center City on your own private bike share. Whether you want to take a ride to the Head House Square Farmers market (less than a mile away) to get your garden fresh groceries, catch an outdoor show or be a tourist in your own city, you can avoid the pitfalls and frustration of Center City parking and cut your emissions (the best of both worlds!) If you prefer to commute on public transit, both buildings are located within 2 blocks of the Broad Street Subway Line.

2. Live in a green stormwater infrastructure project! You don’t have to go far to visit one of the city’s green roofs. Southstar Loft’s green roof is one of the only green roofs located on an apartment building in Philadelphia. Green roofs help to maintain building temperatures, keeping the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter, as well as manages rainwater and helps to improve air quality in its Center City neighborhood.

3. Breathe a sigh of relief. As Center City’s first fully smoke-free apartment building, 777 South Broad understands that maintaining a green lifestyle includes creating and maintaining healthy air quality for all its residents. In addition to eliminating smoking, 777 South Broad also uses low VOC paints which lower residents exposure to many of the toxins typically found in household paints.

To find out more information about green living at 777 South Broad and Southstar Lofts, visit 777SouthBroad.com or SouthstarLofts.com.

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Recent Posts

Enviro jobs & grants, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Parks and Rec expands environmental stewardship program. Philadelphia…

1 week ago

Meet 6 people making Philly greener, one neighborhood at a time.

(and they're all SustainPHL nominees!) From storm drains in Germantown to community gardens in Kensington,…

1 week ago

Vacant lot greening, A challenge to the school board, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Teens turn vacant lot into green space. Since…

2 weeks ago

The Philly Passive House: What does a home without fossil fuels look like?

Inside a Francisville Passive House project, Green Philly attendees saw how airtight construction, insulation, efficient…

2 weeks ago

New trash bill, utility assistance, National Estuaries Week, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Council considers new bill for waste disposal contract.…

3 weeks ago

Announcing the SustainPHL 2026 Nominees

Meet the local leaders, organizations and changemakers shaping a more sustainable Philadelphia. Philadelphia has welcomed…

3 weeks ago