Sandra White: Built Green in Washington State

Built Green

I had to really look into this earlier this week when a Buyer asked what exactly did this Built Green sign in the window  mean and I realized I had only a vague notion and no real answers.  For all you people who are already knowledgeable in this stuff, just skip to the next blog.

For the rest of you....I researched this through the Jefferson County Home Builder's Association and also looked into a new  home project in our city. 

Built Green is an organization that is receiving funding in the county by a Washington State Department of Ecology grant, Jefferson County Environmental Health Department partnered with the Jefferson County Home Builder's Association.  The purpose is to work with local experts to create a program emphasising energy efficiency and protection of our natural resources. 

There is a checklist to guide builders with a baseline for minimun thresholds, to accomplish cost-effective, resource -effiecient homebuilding.  Some homes will be more green than  but the goal is conservation of materials, energy efficiency and good site planning. 

When enough of these requirements are met, the project and/or the builder can be certified as Built Green.  Various levels of certification are possible, depending on the local program.  Higher levels require the project to be inspected and documented by a third party verifier to ensure accuracy. 

There is also a campaign to educate the consumer.  Money has been donated by our local electric company, Puget Sound Energy.  They list these advantages for the Buyer:

1. Less expensive to operate.  Energy and water efficient features save on utility bills
2. Healthier and more comfortable.. less toxic materials, well designed isulation and efficient heating and cooling, with a well insulated building envelope can mean you breathe fresher air with fewer drafts.
3. More durable and lower maintenance.  Careful selection of a buildings materirals, its design, and its placemnet on its site can mean fewer replacement costs and effort. 
4. A smart investment.  Real estate data is showing that certified homes sell faster and for more money than comparable homes, and they hold their value longer. 

A McGraw Hill survey published in October 2008 found that 60 percent of builders said buyers were willing to pay more for green homes.  Builder Magazine reported that 80 percent of homebuyers said they would choose one home over another based on its energy efficiency. 

The Built Green program is also being applied to renovations and remodels in Washington State, as well as multifamily home projects. 

A local Built Green project:

Spring Valley Cottages, Port Townend

 Designed by Ross Chapin, built by Kimball and Landes 2007-2008

 Approx. 830 Sq. ft. , asking price $265,000 and up.  10 built, 5 sold.

 Common House shared by all homeowners. 

                                                                                              Built Green Floor Trusses