Arterra is being designed to obtain a LEED certification, and the building features numerous green and environmentally friendly features, including:

• a foundation system built using steel made from 95% recycled content
• rapidly renewable resources including cork flooring at the elevator lobbies and bamboo flooring standard in all kitchens
• recycled materials such as Trespa exterior cladding, and Enviroglas in the lobby, and recycled rubber flooring in the gym.

Arterra also offers features that improve indoor air quality, including the use of low-VOC paints, carpeting, adhesive, and cabinetry. The Trespa rainscreen system allows the building to "breathe" by letting moisture escape naturally.

Arterra also helps conserve resources and save energy with such features as green roofs on parts of the lowrise and midrise structures that use native grasses and plants to provide superior insulation while reducing rainwater runoff and the heat gain effect.

Innovative compact flourescent lighting reduces energy consumption, as does a high-efficiency water heating boiler. Individual homes feature EnergyStar-rated appliances and dual-flush toilets which reduce water consumption by 30 percent.