Building Green on Whidbey Island

BuiltGreen is a program sponsored by local builder associations that promotes environmentally-friendly projects that are cost-effective to own and operate. It’s intended to educate contractors and property owners on green building options that will result in homes crafted to exceed local building codes.

 

 Projects are rated on a 1-5 star standard, with 5-star being the most rigorous. One to 3-star ratings can be self-certified, following the BuiltGreen checklists. Ratings of 4 to 5-star must be verified by qualified third-party consultants.

 Colorado has been in the forefront of the BuiltGreen initiative, but many other states and regions now have their own programs. Take a look at the Web site, http://www.builtgreen.org for additional information on participating builder associations in your area and to review checklists that will get you to the rating you desire.

Our local association, the Skagit-Island County Builders Association (SICBA) is currently developing its criteria for 4 and 5-star ratings. They are using King County’s standards as a starting point, but modifying them for our more rural setting. We’ll talk more about that as my building project proceeds.

 

Follow responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Leave a response, or trackback from your own site.