Green Building

Where Can I Find Residential Green Building Resources?

Residential green building programs offer consumers a choice of homes and multi-family residences with improved environmental performance. Builders building to green standards can take advantage of the demand for homes that will save homeowners money on energy and maintenance costs.

Certification Programs

Green building certification programs use a checklist system to document green features and functionality of a project. Checklists provide builders with a flexible approach to achieving improved environmental performance and cost savings for homeowners and occupants.

Built Green™ Washington - A statewide partnership of industry associations, builders, suppliers, designers, and government agencies, Built Green Washington promotes green residential construction. This site provides links to local Built Green programs and checklists, how-to information, case studies and events.

Northwest ENERGY STAR® program - The ENERGY STAR® program certifies homes with increased energy efficiency and occasionally sponsors special offers, such as sales tax exemptions or credits, and rebates on energy-saving products.

LEED® for Homes -The U.S. Green Building Council is conducting a pilot certification program for residential green construction in several states, and expects to launch the program nationally in Fall 2007.

Resources and Information

National Association of Home Builders - NAHB's Green Home Building Guidelines provide a checklist and User's Guide for residential green construction.

Northwest Ecobuilding Guild - The Guild is an association of builders, designers, homeowners, tradespeople, manufacturers, suppliers and others interested in ecologically sustainable building.

Reuse and Salvage

Salvaging and reusing building materials locally are the highest and best uses of these items, and can add distinction and value to your home. Washington is home to a number of organizations and businesses promoting salvage and reuse as environmentally preferable alternatives to disposal.

Northwest Building Salvage Network - This regional network of businesses, individuals and public agencies is committed to increasing the use of salvaged and reusable building materials.

Used Building Materials Guide - Published by the NW Used Building Materials Network, this guide provides great tips on building materials salvage.

2good2toss.com - Save time, save money, and find a new home for your unwanted building materials and other household goods. 2good2toss.com is a free service to residents of several counties in WA.

Recycling and Deconstruction

1-800-Recycle - Find recycling and reuse opportunities in your area using the online database or by calling Department of Ecology's toll-free number.

Greenbridge Deconstruction Pilot Project - This project funded by Ecology and King County that looked at the feasibility of mechanically-assisted deconstruction for public housing duplexes in King County.

King County Construction Recycling Directory - Organized by material type, this is a guide to recycling opportunities in King County and western Washington.

Please contact Rachael Jamison at (360) 407-6352, or rjam461@ecy.wa.gov for more information.