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Sustainable development

Seattle Adapts to Climate Change with Green Building Incentives

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Seattle and Washington State face increasing signs of climate change, the City is implementing new green building incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy future. Buildings account for one-third of the city's emissions, and the City's incentives aim to encourage developers to adopt sustainable practices. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) offers Priority Green Expedited, Green Building Standard, Living Building Pilot, and 2030 Challenge Pilot incentives to support builders in achieving green building standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The City of Seattle is updating its green building incentive eligibility requirements for Priority Green Expedited and the Green Building Standard.
  • Proposed changes will require new buildings to use only electricity for space and water heating and cooking, and obtain a green building certification through an approved rating organization.
  • Buildings using Priority Green Expedited will also need to meet additional criteria for size limits, embodied carbon, energy efficiency, refrigerant management, and indoor air quality.
  • The Seattle Construction Code will be updated to reflect these changes on February 1, 2021.
  • SDCI is seeking public comment on the incentives update through an email submission system.
  • A new Director's Rule for the Green Building Standard will be available in December, with a separate comment period.

Statistics:

  • Buildings account for one-third of Seattle's greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Energy and water demands are increasing with population growth.
  • By 2021, new buildings will be required to use only electricity for space and water heating and cooking.
  • 100% of new buildings using Priority Green Expedited will need to meet additional criteria for size limits, embodied carbon, energy efficiency, refrigerant management, and indoor air quality.

Sources:

  • City of Seattle: Official Website
  • Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)

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