City of Seattle - Sustainable Buildings and Sites Policy (Washington)

Last modified on February 12, 2015.

Rules Regulations Policies Program

Place	Washington
Name	City of Seattle - Sustainable Buildings and Sites Policy
Incentive Type	Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Applicable Sector	Construction, Local Government
Eligible Technologies	Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building, Custom/Others pending approval, Biomass, CHP/Cogeneration, Daylighting, Geothermal Electric, Passive Solar Space Heat, Photovoltaics, Small Hydroelectric, Solar Space Heat, Solar Water Heat, Wind
Active Incentive	Yes
Implementing Sector	Local
Energy Category	Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs, Renewable Energy Incentive Programs
Goal	New City-funded projects and major renovations will achieve LEED Gold ratings.
Website	http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding/CapitalProjects/default.asp
Date added to DSIRE	2000-01-01
Last DSIRE Review	2012-05-14
Last Substantive Modification to Summary by DSIRE	2012-05-14
References	DSIRE

Summary

Seattle’s Sustainable Building Policy was originally adopted in 2000 and significantly expanded in scope in October 2011. This policy calls for new City-funded projects and major renovations with over 5,000 square feet of occupied space to achieve a Gold Rating using the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED Rating System. To achieve certification, one must register the project with the USGBC and submit a project application which documents all attempted credits for review and approval by the USGBC technical staff and LEED Steering Committee. In addition, these projects must meet additional energy efficiency, water, waste, and bicycle parking requirements.

Minor renovation and tenant improvement projects that impact 5,000 square feet or more and involve changes to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems must also meet LEED Gold standards, as well as additional requirements for water and waste. Projects that are under 5,000 square feet or not eligible for LEED must complete the Capital Green checklist. As of May 2012, there are 23 LEED-certified, City-owned buildings, with 6 projects underway and 5 planned projects.

For tools to assist in the development of sustainable buildings, please visit the City of Seattle's Design Tools and Strategies web site.

Incentive Contact

Contact Name	Peter Dobrovolny
Department	Seattle Department of Planning and Development
Division	City Green Building
Address	P.O. Box 34019
Address 2	19th Floor, Seattle Municipal Tower
Place	Seattle, Washington
Zip/Postal Code	98124-4019
Phone	(206) 615-1094
Email	peter.dobrovolny@seattle.gov
Website	http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/GreenBuilding

Authorities (Please contact the if there are any file problems.)

Authority 1:	City Council Resolution 31326
Date Effective	2011-10-03

• Incentive and policy data are reviewed and approved by the N.C. Solar Center's DSIRE project staff.