Building Green
What is BUILT GREEN?
BUILT GREEN is an environmental building program proven to provide you with a healthier, more efficient house. BUILT GREEN homes are attractive, comfortable, durable, environmentally-friendly – and save you money to own and operate. Participating BUILT GREEN builders craft these resource-efficient homes to exceed building codes to provide homeowners with years of healthy, quality living, while protecting our precious Northwest environment.
Several local builders associations including Tacoma-Pierce County Master Builders Association, implement BUILT GREEN programs. While some BUILT GREEN programs have been operating for several years, many others are being planned and developed.
Programs award the BUILT GREEN certificate to a building project when it meets defined green building criteria summarized on a Checklist. Projects receive one to five “Stars,” depending on the number of points they achieve. Each local program has its own Checklist, designed to reflect local issues and priorities.
BUILT GREEN is a market-driven approach to improving building practices. It relies on voluntary action by builders and offers a clear brand you can seek to find superior housing.
Your interest in a green, money-saving home is what builds support for BUILT GREEN. You can help to create positive change in the building industry by informing yourself, asking questions, and telling builders and developers that you want your next home to be BUILT GREEN.
Why buy a BUILT GREEN home?
BECAUSE A BUILT GREEN home is...
- Less expensive to operate. Energy- and water-efficient features mean you’ll save money each month on operating costs, and rate hikes will impact you less.
- Healthier and more comfortable. Well-designed ventilation, a strategic choice of materials, and efficient heating and cooling with a tightly sealed, well-insulated building envelope mean you will breathe fresher air and have fewer drafts.
- Durable and reduces maintenance. Careful selection of a building’s materials, its design, and its placement on its site means fewer replacement costs and effort.
- Quality-built. Professionals who care enough to participate in the BUILT GREEN program do careful work and give you outstanding value for your investment.
“Why aren’t you green yet?”
Most of the information on this page was excerpted with permission from the Built Green Washington web site. To learn more go to www.builtgreenwashington.org.