Built Green is the green home certification program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. In addition to certifying green homes, remodels, apartments, and communities, we host a membership network of companies and individuals involved in the green building industry. We also research and communicate the human and environmental benefits of ecologically focused building.
Top 5 Reasons to Build Green
1. Savings
A Built Green home typically saves money on operating and maintenance costs through more efficient energy use, utilizing features such as extra insulation and more efficient water heaters, lighting and appliances. The use of natural daylighting techniques can also reduce energy consumption. Efficiency means more money in your pocket!
2. Healthier, More Comfortable Living
No need to worry about that stinky coat of paint or new carpet smell. Using low VOC and low toxic interior paints and finishes reduces toxins and increases indoor air quality in a home. This makes the home healthier and more comfortable for you and your family.
3. Conserves Natural Resources
Rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo, cork and strawboard can be managed, grown and harvested in a sustainable way and can effectively replace traditional lumber. Countertops made from recycled glass, concrete and paper are aesthetically pleasing and eliminate the use of traditional or precious stones. From flooring to cabinetry to building materials, there are hundreds of cost-effective, sustainable options on the market today!
4. Healthier Habitat
Water conservation can be achieved by planting drought tolerant landscaping and avoiding turf grass. Pervious pavement can be used in driveways and walkways to allow rainwater to seep into the ground instead adding to polluting stormwater runoff. Erosion control methods are used to help reduce sedimentation into streams and protect the natural features of the site. All of these methods benefit aquatic habitat which makes for healthier ecosystems.
5. Reduces Your Footprint
Building a more efficient home reduces your water, energy and carbon footprints. By reducing your energy and water use, you conserve resources and have less of an impact on the climate and the environment—which makes for a healthier, happier planet.
What is Leed?
As the most widely used rating system for green building, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provides a framework to create cost-saving, healthy, and highly efficient buildings. Boasting $1.2 billion in energy savings globally from 2015 through 2018, LEED-certified buildings save energy and resources, as well as lower operating costs. It’s good for your health, too: LEED buildings bring in clean air, access to daylight and lessen or eliminate completely harmful chemicals found in paints, finishings and other construction materials.
In order to gain a LEED rating, construction projects earn points across the following areas that address the key aspects of green buildings: Integrative process, location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, and regional priority. Based on the number of points achieved, projects can earn a certified status, or silver, gold, or platinum ranking.