DALLAS-Although the Lone Star State might have been settled by hearty, hard-working pioneers, Texans are not known for being pioneers when it comes to sustainability and “green living.”

Yet, there are hybrids on the roads here too, and environmentally-conscious renters now have more options: UDR’s Belmont apartment community recently received LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and Wood Partners LLC’s Glass House Dallas high-rise apartment property also has received LEED certification.

“There are clearly other cities that are more attuned and further down the road when it comes to sustainability – Portland, Seattle, the Bay Area, and Washington D.C.,” says Mark Culwell, senior vice president of development for UDR. “I think there is growing momentum in Dallas-Fort Worth for sustainable apartments and a heightened awareness among renters.”