Green Building > Builder Resources > Builder Incentives

Builder Incentives

At times your local government has incentives or rebate programs that reward going green. These programs can change frequently. Please check the resources below for new information.

Permitting
King County Incentives
King County's Green Building Grants provide funding to projects built in King County that meet stringent criteria for resource conservation.

The City of Seattle's Priority Green Permit Program
is evaluating a pilot that gave priority processing to green projects which meet either a 60% energy & fossil fuel use reduction using ENERGY STAR Target Finder, or that has a building performance improvement of 20% over Seattle Energy Code for commercial building projects and an improvement of 30% for residential projects.

Other counties and cities in the state are piloting permitting process that supports green projects. Check with your local jurisdiction for information.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies
Database for State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) This database compiles the latest information regarding federal, state, and local tax incentives and rebate programs for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.

Your local utilities provider may offer local incentives for installation of energy efficient appliances, windows, photovoltaic panels, or solar water heaters. Make sure to check with them when you plan energy improvements for your home.

• Washington Electrical Utility Providers
• Public Utilities

Water Efficiency
Make sure to check with your local water and sewer provider and with local jurisdictions for possible water efficiency incentives or rebate programs. We will be adding to the list below as we learn about new programs:

• EPA-maintained list of rebates offered by WaterSense Partners
• LOTT Alliance (serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater) water-efficiency program rebates
• Saving Water Partnership (Seattle and participating local water utilities) financial incentives program
• Spokane County and the City of Spokane water efficiency incentive programs.

Deconstruction and Salvaged Materials
Some non-profit organizations that offer deconstruction services provide tax-deductible receipts for salvaged materials obtained through deconstruction.

If you have construction materials that were used or left from a construction project, consider donating them to local non-profit organizations. The donations may be tax-deductible and reduce your overall disposal costs while diverting useful materials from landfills.

• 1-800-Recycle - Find recycling and reuse opportunities in your area using the online database.
• Greenbridge Deconstruction Pilot Project (PDF file) - Project funded by Ecology and King County that looked at the feasibility of mechanically-assisted deconstruction for public housing duplexes in King County.
• Used Building Materials - The NW Used Building Materials Network lists great tips on building materials salvage.
• 2good2toss.com - Save time and 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 Washington state.
• King County Construction Recycling Directory - Organized by material type, this is a guide to recycling opportunities in King County and western Washington.
• Thurston County Recycling for Construction, Demolition, and Landclearing Materials (PDF file) - This website helps you to find recycling facilities in Thurston County and guides you through steps for successful job site recycling.
• 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.