Green Building >
Certification and Regulations
Certification and Regulations
A Built Green® 4 stars
home in Clallam County with
solar water heating, solar
panels, fiber cement siding,
metal roofing and skylights.
Courtesy of Clallam
County Built Green.
As awareness of climate change, toxins in our waterways and products, and environmental degradation
became heightened, the public demand encouraged the building industry to develop standards for building
design and construction that mitigate the environmental impacts of the built environment.
This has resulted in a number of green building certification programs. These programs include
standards, certification checklists, and, in many instances, require third-party verification. While
the existing building and energy codes set minimum safety and performance standards, green building
standards often go beyond code requirements. For example, green building standards can mandate
improved energy and water efficiency, or add new criteria such as use of recycled-content materials
and low-impact development.
Green building standards are developed by organizations, partnerships, citizens, and trade
professionals. They reflect the diversity in understanding sustainability and variations in
local factors such as climate, resources availability, and consumer awareness. The standards
also reflect differences in the public's readiness to incorporate green strategies into their
everyday life and work, starting from certification that recognizes a builder for using less-toxic
materials and waste reduction practices, to standards that mandate a completely self-sustained building.
The Saranac, LEED®
Platinum commercial
building in Spokane, WA.
If you are new to green building, the number and variety of certification programs may be
confusing. Allow yourself time to discover the standards that best suit your project and address
your values. To get started, follow the links below:
