Green Building

What are Some Important Green Building Features?

The facilities listed below provide good examples of key features of green buildings. These are a just a few of many exciting green building projects here in Washington. A green building project may use several of these features, depending on the needs and goals of the building owner and occupants.

Location near existing services

Easy access to public transit and shops reduces energy and resource use and air pollution. King County’s King Street Center in Seattle’s Pioneer Square is just a block or two from multiple Metro Bus stops, the Metro tunnel, and the Sounder commuter rail. In a few years, light rail will serve King Street center.

Natural lighting and solar energy

Proper building orientation and design can take advantage of free light and energy from the sun. The City of Seattle’s regional Justice Center Building features a west-facing glass wall which allows for penetration of daylight into the building, saving money on lighting and enhancing the indoor experience for occupants.

Excellent indoor air quality (IAQ)

Island Wood Environmental Learning Center on Bainbridge Island features low-emitting paints, adhesives, and carpets, excellent natural ventilation, and a carbon dioxide monitoring system. Studies continue to show that we learn better and are more productive when we’re in a healthy indoor environment.

The LEED-Certified Public
Service Center in Vancouver, WA.

Reused or recycled-content building materials

The three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) apply to buildings too. Green buildings reduce waste, reuse and recycle materials, and use recycled-content building products when possible to reduce stress on natural resources. Clark County's LEED-Certified Public Service Center building in Vancouver diverted 90% of construction debris from the landfill, and nearly 60% of the building materials contained recycled content.

For information on finding reused or recycled-content materials please visit the materials page.

Green or vegetated roofs

Vegetated roofing systems reduce and filter storm water runoff, provide additional insulation, and reduce "heat island" effects. The vegetated roof on The Evergreen State College's Seminar II building has received several national awards.