Cost-Effective Options for Meeting 2018 WSEC, Built Green, and Priority Green

Guest Author: Cybil Tribie, Senior Project Associate, Evergreen Certified

In March of 2021, the Residential 2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) came into effect, and with it came the new 2021 Built Green Single Family/Townhome New Construction and Multifamily Checklists.

Both the new code and Built Green offered a few surprises with their updates. Code now includes the Fuel Normalization Credits (Table R406.2); and Built Green now offers three different pathways to meet their energy efficiency requirements. Two of those three paths for projects permitted under the residential code are modeling-based utilizing a performance approach, and the last is a prescriptive approach – selecting additional credits from WSEC 2018 Table R406.2 & R406.3. While all three paths are viable ways to meet their requirement, this post will only focus on the prescriptive approach for residential projects.

If you aren’t already familiar with it, the WSEC requires that units (based on size categories) obtain a certain number of credits from Tables R406.2 and R406.3 (the full table can be found here on pages RE-41 – RE-48). Those credit options span from thermal envelope improvements to HVAC upgrades to Energy Star appliance and even reducing overall air leakage. While most of the categories limit you to only choosing one option per category, you can mix and match all the different categories to obtain the minimum credit number required for your unit size.

The table below breaks down how many credits are required per unit size:

Unit Size	WSEC 2018
Small units* (less than 1,500 SF of conditioned floor area)	3.0 credits
Medium (between 1,500SF – 5,000SF)	6.0 credits
Large (greater than 5,000SF)	7.0 credits
Dwellings serving R-2 occupancies	4.5 credits
Additions less than or equal to 500SF**	1.5 credits

*Small units must have less than 300SF of fenestration otherwise they fall into the medium category
**Additions greater than 500SF but less than 1500SF fall into the small category

Earlier I mentioned that the new code threw in a surprise, the Fuel Normalization Credits (Table R406.2). Table R406.2 provides you with additional (or negative) points depending on the primary heating source being used for the units. For example, if you’re planning on using ductless mini-splits and electric resistance heaters (System Type 4 in Table R406.2), you’ll obtain 0.5 credits that is applied towards the total number required in the table above. That means that throughout Table R406.3, you’d only have to claim 2.5 credits, 5.5 credits, and so on depending on the unit size.

So now that we’ve gone through how the new code changed, let’s look at a couple suggestions on how to just meet code depending on your unit size.

A small unit (less than 1,500SF) using electric space heating and gas water heating could select the following credit options:

Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	0.5
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance – HSPF 10	1.5
Credit 5.3	Energy Star gas water heater - UEF 0.91	1.0
TOTAL POINTS		3.0

But if you’re thinking of going all electric, here’s a path forward for code:

Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	0.5
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance – HSPF 10	1.5
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater – NEEA Tier III	2.0
TOTAL POINTS		4.0

The tables above represent two different options for how to meet your energy credit requirements for code. While going all electric with a hybrid heat pump water heater gets you above and beyond the 3.0 credit requirement, it will also help propel you forward with the Built Green prescriptive approach and being eligible for green building incentive programs, like Seattle’s Priority Green. Priority Green – faster permitting with the City of Seattle – requires that your project achieve 2.0 credits in addition the R406 requirements for new dwelling units, the same as Built Green 4-Star certification, so why not double dip and meet your Built Green and Priority Green requirements all in one shot?

Built Green 4-Star certification requires that you get (depending on star level) 3-Star - +1.0pt, 4-Star - +2.0pts, and 5-Star - +3.0pts beyond the minimum required for code based on your size level and fuel type. So, let’s review what that would look like.

Unit Size	WSEC 2018	Built Green 4-Star/Priority Green
Small units* (less than 1,500 SF of conditioned floor area)	3.0 credits	5.0 credits
Medium (between 1,500SF – 5,000SF)	6.0 credits	8.0 credits
Large (greater than 5,000SF)	7.0 credits	9.0 credits
Dwellings serving R-2 occupancies	4.5 credits	6.5 credits
Additions less than or equal to 500SF**	1.5 credits	3.5 credits

*Small units must have less than 300SF of fenestration otherwise they fall into the medium category
**Additions greater than 500SF but less than 1500SF fall into the small category

The following tables provide examples of what a 4-Star Built Green project might want to consider claiming if pursuing the prescriptive approach for Built Green’s energy efficiency requirements. Note that the Priority Green program does not allow for natural gas to be used in the home and projects must select electric-only options to qualify.

Small Units (less than 1,500 SF)

Small units with less than 1,500 SF of conditioned floor area, with less than 300 SF of fenestration, benefit the most from electric ductless mini-split systems for space heating. If space allows in the small unit for a heat pump water heater, it will reach the required prescriptive credits with less action items.

Ductless electric space heating and gas water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	0.5
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance – HSPF 10	1.5
Credit 5.3	Energy Star gas water heater - UEF 0.91	1.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		3.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.2	2.0ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.65	1.0
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances with ductless dryer	0.5
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		5.0

Ductless electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	0.5
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance – HSPF 10	1.5
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater – NEEA Tier III	2.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		4.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.1	3.0ACH air leakage High efficacy exhaust fan	0.5
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		5.0

Medium Units (1,500 SF-5,000 SF)

What about a medium sized unit (1,500SF-5,000SF) using different space and water heating options? There are a multitude of mix-and-match options that you can utilize, but below are some examples of how to get there for code and Built Green. It’s important to remember though that when using the Built Green prescriptive approach, less than 50% of your WSEC credits can come from PV.

Gas space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 1)	Combustion heating equipment	0.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.2	2.0ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.65	1.0
Credit 3.1	Energy Star Furnace	1.0
Credit 4.2	All HVAC equipment and ducts in conditioned space	1.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater – NEEA Tier III	2.0
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances	0.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		6.0
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		8.0

Ductless electric space heating and gas water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.2	2.0ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.65	1.0
Credit 3.6	Ductless mini-split with minimal electric resistance – HSPF 10	2.0
Credit 5.3	Gas water heater – UEF 0.91	1.0
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances	0.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		6.0
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		8.0

Ducted electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 3.5	Air-source centrally ducted heat pump – HSPF 11.0	1.5
Credit 4.2	All HVAC equipment and ducts in conditioned space	1.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater - TIER III	2.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		6.0
Credit 2.2	1.5ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.75	1.5
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances with a ventless dryer	0.5
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		8.0

Ductless electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.2	2.0ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.65	1.0
Credit 3.6	Ductless mini-split with minimal electric resistance – HSPF 10	2.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater - TIER III	2.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		6.5
Credit 6.1	1,200kWh of solar	1.0
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances	0.5
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		8.0

Ductless electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	0.5
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.3	1.5ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.75	1.5
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance – HSPF 10	1.5
Credit 5.6	Heat pump water heater with a split air-to-refrigerant compressor located outside	2.5
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances with a ventless dryer	0.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		7.0
Credit 6.1	1,200kWh of solar	1.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		8.0

Large Units (5,000+SF)

And we can’t forget about the large units (5,000SF+). Below are just a couple options for how to obtain those Built Green points prescriptively.

Gas space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 1)	Combustion heating equipment	0.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.3	1.5ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.75	1.5
Credit 3.1	Energy Star furnace	1.0
Credit 4.2	All HVAC equipment and ducts in conditioned space	1.0
Credit 5.6	Heat pump water heater with a split air-to-refrigerant compressor located outside	2.5
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances	0.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		7.0
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		9.0

Ducted electric space heating and gas water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.3	1.5ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.75	1.5
Credit 3.5	Air-source centrally ducted heat pump – HSPF 11.0	1.5
Credit 4.2	All HVAC equipment and ducts in conditioned space	1.0
Credit 5.3	Energy Star gas water heater - UEF 0.91	1.0
Credit 7.1	Energy Star appliances with a ventless dryer	0.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		7.0
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		9.0

Ducted electric space and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 1.3	Windows: U-0.28 Floors: R-38 R-10 under entire slab	0.5
Credit 2.2	2.0ACH air leakage HRV with SRE 0.65	1.0
Credit 3.5	Air-source centrally ducted heat pump – HSPF 11.0	1.5
Credit 4.2	All HVAC equipment and ducts in conditioned space	1.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater - TIER III	2.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		7.0
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		9.0

Multifamily R-2 Occupancies

All the tables above demonstrate a variety of different compliances paths to meeting Energy Code as well as Built Green. Below are two ways to do that for R-2 Occupancies. The important thing to keep in mind is that the points values in Tables R406.2 & 406.3 are different for R-2 Occupancy.

Ductless electric space heating and gas water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	N/A
Credit 1.1	Vertical fenestration – U 0.24	0.5
Credit 2.1	0.30 cfm/ft²@ 50Pa and 0.35 watts/cfm ventilation	1.0
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance	2.0
Credit 5.3	Energy Star gas water heater - UEF 0.91	1.0
CODE TOTAL POINTS		4.5
Credit 6.1	2,400kWh of solar	2.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		6.5

Ductless electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 4)	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance heaters	N/A
Credit 2.1	0.30 cfm/ft²@ 50Pa and 0.35 watts/cfm ventilation	1.0
Credit 3.4	Ductless mini-split with electric resistance	2.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater - TIER III	2.5
CODE TOTAL POINTS		5.5
Credit 6.1	1,200kWh of solar	1.0
BUILT GREEN TOTAL POINTS		6.5

Ductless electric space heating and electric water heating
Option	Description	Credit
Fuel Normalization (Type 2)	Heat pump space heating with no electric resistance	1.0
Credit 3.6	Ductless mini-split with minimal electric resistance – HSPF 10	3.0
Credit 5.5	Heat pump water heater - TIER III	2.5
BUILT GREEN AND CODE TOTAL POINTS		6.5

All of the above tables provide options for exceeding the 2018 WSEC-R and meeting the requirements for Built Green certification and Priority Green expedited permitting. Builders will need to evaluate which prescriptive credits work best for the project’s site, design, size, and budget. To do this we recommend discussing options with your energy consultant or Built Green Verifier during the design process. Lastly, by selecting electric-only options builders will also earn additional indoor air quality credits to further their Built Green certification, future code-proof their energy designs, and provide more resilient and desirable homes for their buyers.

This webinar provides a detailed look into the prescriptive energy efficiency code credit options for residential projects that meet the 2018 Residential Washington State Energy Code and Built Green requirements. Speakers include representatives from Evergreen Certified and Built Green. Access webinar HERE.

For both checklists, Built Green has enrollment deadlines: if you enroll a project after a certain date, the updated checklist must be used. Prior to that date, a builder can decide whether to use the old or updated version of the checklist. We set these enrollment deadlines in the future so designers and builders have time to adjust and so that plans that have already been made based on the older version of the checklist don’t have to be scrapped. Make sure you get your projects enrolled! Here are the dates to know:

Single-family/townhome checklist enrollment date: Aug. 1, 2017
Multi-family checklist enrollment date: Oct. 1, 2017

Again, all projects enrolled with Built Green after these dates will have to use the updated checklists!

We also have certification deadlines for projects using the older checklist versions to ensure that projects are certified in a timely manner, under the relevant checklist. Here are the certification deadlines:

Single-family/townhome checklist certification packet due date: Aug. 1, 2018
Multi-family checklist certification packet due date: Dec. 31, 2019

Certification packets for projects received by Built Green after these dates will have to use the updated checklist, irrespective of their enrollment date. Multi-family projects are given more time to certify under the old checklist due to the longer timeframe these projects generally require due to their size and complexity.

Built Green will be sending out plenty of reminders as these various deadlines approach. Please pay attention to these communications!

Built Green homes in the Issaquah Highlands

Homes in the Issaquah Highlands, most of which were built under the previous two iterations of the Built Green single-family checklist.

A home certified 4-Star Built Green in June 2017

A home by McDowell Design Build, certified Built Green in June 2017—see the case study.

Why do you update the checklists?

Built Green is a relative certification system; projects are judged based on the building environment and code at any given time. Checklist updates take into account code changes, how widespread processes and products have become, new technologies, and current costs. For example, our checklists require that projects are modelled to demonstrate a certain percentage of energy efficiency compared to current code. As code updates, so must Built Green checklists. Otherwise, Built Green certification would lose its meaning as code requirements caught up with the program. The aim of this voluntary certification is to recognize builders who go above and beyond, after all!

This means that a 4-Star project certified in 2007 isn’t the same as a 4-Star project certified in 2017 in terms of environmental rigor when compared with each other, but that the cost and effort needed to complete each project given the context of its time was roughly the same. This relative grading system also means that Built Green provides builders with a framework to improve their product over time. A builder that commits to only building 5-Star homes will have to constantly innovate and adapt to continue to achieve this star-level over the years as the rating gets more rigorous over time. But this means that Built Green is helping to spur adoption of new technologies and techniques, and that builders who are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve are supported and rewarded for their endeavors!

How do you update the checklists?

We don’t do any of this alone. In fact, we heavily rely on the generosity of many different industry experts who support the program. This ensures that a variety of perspectives contribute to the checklist updates.

Since this single-family/townhome checklist update was only regarding the energy requirements, we worked with energy modeling experts and third-party verifiers to ensure that our new modeling protocol is robust and that the updated requirements strike the balance of being challenging without being too onerous. We worked with other local Built Green programs in different parts of the state to make sure that the various star-levels on offer also correspond with local markets and incentives available for energy efficiency, so Built Green builders can more easily demonstrate their projects qualify.

To update the multi-family checklist, we worked with a committee consisting of representatives from the public sector, consultants on green building, third-party verifiers, energy modelers, and builders. This team spent a year taking the checklist to the next level!

What else do I need to know?

Just a couple of things! First, the corresponding multi-family handbook update is forthcoming and will be published soon. It will be available online, for free, as a PDF. Second, it is important to discuss these updates with your third-party verifier to make sure you are on the same page about the transition and deadlines that you have to meet for current and upcoming projects. Finally, we know that—though necessary—these transition periods can be a bit confusing and hectic. Don’t worry! Built Green staff and third-party verifiers are available if you have questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

Now, let’s keep working to make the green building industry better every day!

built-green-checklist-updates-all-you-need-to-know

Built Green™

03/01/2022

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House

In partnership with 425 Magazine, Lochwood-Lozier’s team set out to build the 2021 Northwest Idea House to showcase innovation in technology, sustainable materials, appliances, furnishings, lighting, and more, while also focusing on protecting and preserving the wetlands that surround the home.

Vital Stats	Section	Points
Location: Woodinville Star Level: 5-Star Checklist: 2018 Single Family/Townhome Verifier: Evergreen Certified	Site and Water	189
	Energy Efficiency	188
	Health and Indoor Air Quality	136
	Material Efficiency	128
	Total Score	665

The project has a five-foot setback from a wetland ecosystem, creating connectivity to a landscape with plenty of native wildlife and vegetation. Throughout construction, the project team observed Herons (Great Blue & Grey), beavers, Columbian Black-tailed deer, dragonflies, pacific tree frogs, American bullfrogs, and many other creatures in the backyard.

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House exterior

From the street view, the modern and trendy farmhouse-style home stands out from other more traditional houses in the neighborhood. Amidst the isolation that the pandemic has brought about, many of society’s “normal” activities were constrained to their residences and made virtual. As a result, this project sought to integrate some of those activities into the space itself. The design features a “Zoom Room” for an unbeatable work-from-home setting with a stunning view of the backyard. Outside of the workday, the residents can enjoy a variety of in-home activities: an entertainment/theater room complete with a wet bar and beverage fridge; a music room with decorative sound attenuation tiles; an exercise room with a sauna and steam shower nearby and is equipped with ventilation systems that filter and pre-heat fresh air into the entire home.

Throughout the early stages of construction, Lochwood-Lozier explored different iterations of building components and systems to achieve significant energy savings to target Built Green 5-Star’s required 30% energy savings or greater (as compared to code). The combination of a ducted heat pump system, ceiling cassette mini-split heads, in-floor hydronic radiant heating, balanced ventilation system, and humidity sensor exhaust fans allows for the home to remain comfortable and energy efficient. The intentional placement of the mechanical systems keeps them in the background while bringing the interior finishes and outdoor views at the foreground. A 5.6 kW solar photovoltaic system was installed at the southeast and southwest sides of the roof to offset some of the energy consumption of these mechanical systems, the EV chargers, and luxurious amenities.

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House exterior back

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House front door

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House dining area

The three-bedroom, two bath house is meant to allow the occupants to age in place. The first floor has a kitchen, main living space, a bedroom and bathroom, and ADA-compliant doorways.

Overall, this home is a comfortable, clean, net positive building, allowing the homeowners to be happy, healthy, and confident in the knowledge that their home is serving their needs, meets a high standard of excellence, and is protecting the environment in the process.

To monitor the energy consumption and usage of the home, the project incorporated a Brilliant Smart Home System that integrates an audio/video intercom, lighting, HVAC controls, and security cameras along with an EcoBee Smart Thermostat. Innovative features like motorized touch-sensor cabinet doors, Alexa-enabled kitchen faucets, touchscreen wine and coffee dispensers, switchable glass windows in front of the bathtub for privacy, a bidet in the primary bathroom, lights tubes in the primary closet, and an operable skylight also makes this home hard to leave! Many of these technological elements will also allow for its residents to age in place and ensure this is their forever home. Ultimately, the 2021 Northwest Idea House shows that high-performance and innovation is achievable in a large, luxury home with intentional design, details, and execution.

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House bedroom

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House family room

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

Over 50pts dedicated to lot design and protecting the site’s natural features and processes on-site:

Natural resources inventory and third-party review of the site development plan for critical areas and habitat protection
70% of site left undisturbed
75% of trees retained on lot
Retaining native vegetation

Low flow Brizo plumbing fixtures

Energy Efficiency

38% more efficient than code
AeroBarrier installed to achieve a blower door score under 2.5 ACH50
Panasonic balanced ventilation system installed
Combination of ducted and ductless mini-splits and in-floor radiant heating
5.78 kW solar PV system
EV chargers installed
Collapsible indoor drying rack installed with humidity sensor exhaust fan

Health and Indoor Air Quality

Multiple moisture management strategies including rainscreen under siding, dimple drainage mat at foundation walls, and moisture meter pre-drywall and flooring
GreenGuard Gold & SCS certified insulation products
Low or no VOC/toxic interior products (paints, caulks, adhesives, etc.)
Central vacuum

Materials Efficiency

Over ten regional materials used throughout the project
Third-party certified sustainably harvested engineered hardwood flooring (FSC), dimensional lumber and beams (SFI Certified Sourcing)
Shou sugi ban siding
Fiberglass windows
No-Added Formaldehyde millwork
Brilliant smart technology system (with audio/video intercom)

Lochwood-Lozier Northwest Idea House kitchen

Media Recognition

425 Magazine 2021 Northwest Idea House
King 5’s Evening

Exterior front photos by Michael Walmsley. All other photos by Cory Holland with Clarity Northwest Photography.

lochwood-lozier-northwest-idea-house

Built Green™

10/27/2016

Built Green Conference 2016: Award Winners

By Sadie Normoyle, Built Green™ Coordinator

Built Green relies on the exceptional builders and people who support the program to be where it is today. At the 2016 Built Green Conference, in order to recognize the hard work of Built Green members, we announced the winners of the Built Green Hammer Awards and of the Built Green Pioneer Award.

The Built Green Hammer Awards recognize Built Green members for their outstanding projects and participation over the previous year. The Built Green Pioneer Award recognizes people who have played an integral role in developing and maintaining the Built Green program. Without the time, energy, and support of these Pioneers, Built Green would not be what it is today.

Built Green Hammer Award Winners

Isola Homes is a locally rooted, family-owned company with a passion for building exceptional homes. They collaborate and strive to bring the very best in sophisticated design, modern livability, and unmatched quality in Seattle’s most desirable locations. Their ultimate goal is to create a place that inspires you to live with the same passion that they had for building your home. Over the past year, they have certified 114 homes with Built Green: seventeen at the 3-Star level, 92 at 4-Star, and five at 5-Star.

DEP Homes strives to provide the Seattle housing market with quality homes that are technologically advanced and environmentally responsible. Their homes are strategically located in desirable neighborhoods in order to promote sustainable living through convenient access to shopping, public transportation, and major employers. In the last year, they have realized their vision for elegant sustainability through major projects like “DEP City 15” and “DEP Columbia.” Over the past year, they have certified 39 homes as 4-Star Built Green.

DevCo, Inc. is a privately held real estate investment company, and Heartland Construction is their construction affiliate that is responsible for building all of their projects. With more than 20 years of experience, together they professionally develop, build, and own multi-family apartment communities. Some unique aspects of the Discovery West project were the use of a common domestic hot water system, high energy efficient HVAC system for the common areas in the buildings, and use of low- or no VOC and eco-friendly finish materials throughout the interiors of the buildings. Heartland Construction has done an excellent job incorporating Built Green Standards seamlessly into the project. Their experience on the first two developments helped them to understand the process so the certification process on this project was completed rapidly. Their most recent certification was for 209 4-Star units.

Aegis Living was chosen for this award for their brand new, 129-unit Aegis of Queen Anne at Rodgers Park assisted living community development. The Aegis of Queen Anne at Rodgers Park project met and surpassed Built Green 4-Star requirements. The development collects and retains 80% of storm water and building water discharge; used only low-VOC and low-toxic interior paints and finishes for all surface areas (including doors, windows, and trim); controlled building moisture; used effective air distribution and filtration systems; sent at least 85% of jobsite waste to a local recycling center; and maximized efforts to install locally-produced materials (local windows, cement, and wood).

Sola 24 LLC achieved Built Green 4-Star certification for a 23-unit project in Seattle this past year. Their premise was simple - super tight buildings consume less energy for heating and cooling. In order to achieve this, they used spray foam insulation to achieve a virtually airtight building shell. In addition, all penetrations, such as lights, switches, and outlets were sealed with caulking or gaskets and large, high-tech Andersen E-Series windows that provide natural daylight for both light and warmth. This combination of efficiency and natural light makes the spaces inviting and relaxed.

Fairwinds Development is a family-owned, father-and-son-operated developer of single-family and low density multi-family homes in North Seattle neighborhoods. The Eltovar rowhouse project that they have been working on this past year is an example of a certified 4-Star Built Green project. Over the past year, they have achieved certification for nine 4-Star projects.

This past year Malboeuf Bowie Architecture certified a 5-star remodeled home in the Wedgewood Neighborhood– the only 5-Star remodel so far in 2016. They kept the foundation (minimizing ground disturbance) and installed a new concrete slab floor with hydronic radiant heating. With a 6.4 kW solar PV system, the home is modeled to perform 45% better than new homes built to code.

Model Remodel’s backyard cottage in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood received Built Green 4-Star certification for its calculated design and mindful construction. Durability, energy efficiency, and overall user-healthiness come together in this comfy second story studio dwelling atop a two-car garage. The trees around the unit offer privacy and the feeling of a tree house while the windows on the north and south open to carry the cool, aromatic, Lake Washington breeze through during the summer heat.

The two units by TC Legend Homes are stunning examples of healthy, sustainable, and energy efficient single-family homes. Located on two peaceful wooded lots in the Victory Heights neighborhood of Seattle, the outward appearance of these 5-Star dwellings belie their advanced construction and ultra-high performance. The homes are constructed using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) which is one of the trademarks of builder Ted Clifton, a leading figure in the net-zero energy building community. TC Legend Homes also included many advanced energy efficiency measures in addition to the 9.5 kW solar arrays on each roof. They also meet 100% rainwater infiltration on site, have continuous exhaust ventilation, and used salvaged materials from the previous home.

Built Green Pioneer Award

David Barnes

Sam Lai

Aaron Fairchild

The Built Green Pioneer Award this year was award to David Barnes, Sam Lai, and Aaron Fairchild. David Barnes pioneered the green building priority permit review in the City of Kirkland as well as makes a big effort to reach out and loop builders into the Built Green program.

Sam Lai and Aaron Fairchild, both of Green Canopy, have worked tirelessly to support Built Green and have come up with idea after idea to better the program. They played a huge role in the conference this year and in the past. Sam Lai sits on the Built Green Marketing Subcommittee and Aaron Fairchild was on the Built Green Executive Committee and now is an MBA Board Member.

While it was difficult to select the nominees and award recipients from such a talented, hard working group of Built Green members, we wish to thank everyone who has been involved with and helped Built Green over the course of this year. We are already looking forward to next year’s Built Green Conference and sincerely hope you will join us!

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