Built Green works closely with local partners to incentivize, and thereby increase, green building in the region while also rewarding builders who take the extra step and obtain certification.

Built Green has been steadily growing in popularity over the years, with more than 900 projects receiving certification in 2015 and over 1,000 in 2016! In addition to an increase in volume, the program is also seeing a shift to higher star levels, which indicates that even more sustainability strategies are being incorporated into a project.

Of course, one can attribute the ever-intensifying environmental awareness in our region as a reason for this growth. But another reason, and one that likely has a big impact, is local government and utility incentives that reward builders for achieving Built Green certification. Some of these incentives require a minimum 4-Star certification level, which explains the shift we are witnessing in certification levels along with the increase in total certifications. This demonstrates that the incentives are helpful enough to spur builders to take some extra steps in their certification. It also means that Built Green’s portfolio will continue to grow and that homeowners and renters will have even greener options!

Built Green works closely with local partners to incentivize, and thereby increase, green building in the region while also rewarding builders who take the extra step and obtain certification. There are now many incentives—both old and new—that builders working on Built Green projects can take advantage of. If you’re working on a Built Green project, don’t miss out! Here is a non-exhaustive list of incentives we hope our members will take advantage of:

• City of Seattle: Priority Green Permitting and Floor Area Ratio bonus for Built Green 4-Star and up

• Seattle City Light: $1,500 per-unit rebate for projects of five or more units that achieve Built Green 4-Star and up and use ductless heat pumps as the primary heating source

• Cascade Water Alliance: $1,000 per unit for single-family and multifamily projects that obtain both Built Green and WaterSense New Homes certifications • Redmond: Priority permit review

• Kirkland: Priority permit review for 4-Star and up • Issaquah: Priority permit review for 5-Star and up

• Just announced! Snohomish County PUD: $1,200 per unit for single-family homes that are at least Built Green 4-Star and use heat pumps

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