What is Green Building?

Using an integrated approach to design and construct buildings that promote well being while significantly reducing the negative impact on the environment through emphasis on life-cycle analysis.

Green building practices incorporate:

·          energy efficiency

·          water conservation

·          waste minimization

·          pollution prevention

·          resource-efficient materials

·          improved indoor air quality

Why Focus on Sustainable Design?

There are a number of economic benefits to green building and low impact development strategies, including reduced operating costs, increased return on investment, increased productivity and human health, enhanced image and marketability, meeting regulatory requirements, and reduced liability.

On the environmental front, development and construction practices are main contributors to the depletion of natural resources and a major cause of unwanted side effects such as air and water pollution, solid waste, deforestation, toxic wastes, health hazards, global warming, and other negative consequences. Buildings use one-quarter of all the world's wood harvest. Buildings consume two-fifths of all material and energy flows. Fifty-four percent of U.S. energy consumption is directly or indirectly related to buildings and their construction. Buildings account for 35% of U.S. CO2 emissions.  In the state of Washington, 55% of all waste going to landfills is construction waste.

Additionally, NW Washington is experiencing high population growth rates that results in demand for increasing our 'built environment', and yet, the things new comers and old timers value most, is our natural environment and strong sense of community.

Local Examples of Green Building

This link will give you an idea of what green building projects are being developed around the City of Bellingham.  Thanks to the City for their help in creating this map.

Resources

Websites, books and magazines on a wide variety of subjects.  Check out our resources page here.

Incentives from ENERGY STAR If you're currently heating your home with electricity from PSE, you may be eligible for up to a $3,950 rebate to switch your home and water heating source to reliable and affordable natural gas. Click here for more information about qualifying rebate levels and additional qualifications.