Featured Project

View the case study here.

This month's featured project is a commercial tenant improvement of the brand new Seattle office of Belt Collins, a planning, engineering, landscape architecture and environmental consulting firm. It is the first tenant improvement to utilize Built Green's new pilot program for commercial projects.

Belt Collins Principal Ellen Southard and interior designer Linda Cohen of LSC Design Studio worked closely together to achieve their lofty environmental goals for the project. Just across from Pike Place Market, and with a beautiful view of Elliot Bay, Belt Collins started by choosing a site that has a high density of flex cars to make use of alternative transportation options. In the early phases of build-out they implemented a jobsite waste-recycling program, and chose a pre-existing building to minimize material use.

Since the project is a tenant improvement rather than a new construction project, there was a heavy focus on green finish materials such as recycled content vinyl-free carpet tile, recycled content ceiling tile, true linoleum flooring and FSC Certified wood. Belt Collins was also able to focus heavily on indoor air quality to improve the working conditions of the staff. They used low VOC paints and sealers throughout and ventilated after each finish was applied, used low-pile commercial carpet with a low toxic backing and installed CO2 detectors in all of the meeting rooms. Energy Star appliances were installed in the staff area and a low toxic maintenance and cleaning plan was implemented to ensure that the effort they put into product selection is carried through the occupancy of the space. They selected greener office furniture such as recycled file cabinets that they had electrostatically painted to look new, conference tables made of reclaimed and rapidly renewable materials and cradle-to-cradle certified 100% recyclable office chairs. Finally they used recycled kimonos as an artistic decoration motif.

As a participant in the Built Green's pilot program for commercial projects, Belt Collins is helping Built Green develop a checklist and certification strategy for tenant improvement projects as well as cultivate a deeper understanding of the environmental strategies that are unique to these projects.

To see other previously featured virtual tours, click here.

New Members

Are you a Built Green member and a member of the Master Builders Association? Then your company is designated with a small green tree on the Master Builders Association website as a Built Green member. Your company is also listed on the Built Green website.

Welcome to our newest member companies!

Bright Street Construction, Inc.
(206) 782-0153 in Seattle

D L Harris Homes LLC
(425) 793-9381 in Renton

DRS, Inc.
(425) 485-6777 in Bothell

Dunn Construction & Management
(206) 819-0470 in Issaquah

Eiger Development
(425) 869-4455 in Bellevue

Envision Homes, Inc.
(206) 356-7853 in Seattle

Lynn Newcomb, Executive Real Estate, Inc.
Together We Can Make A Difference
(206) 947-9228 in Lake Stevens

Goforth Gill Architects
(206) 463-5222 in Vashon

Greening Properties, Inc.
(425) 308-6052 in Everett

Heartwood Builders Inc
(206) 941-0818 in Seattle

Lodwig Homes Inc
(360) 871-1760 in Port Orchard

Nash Custom Homes
You Imagine It. We Built It.
(253) 661-1033 in Federal Way

Plastpro, Inc.
(800) 779-0561 in Livingston, NJ

Raven Woodworking 1 LLC
(206) 669-1811 in Seattle

ReMax Metro Association
Your Northwest Ecogreen Realtor©
(206) 367-0888 in Seattle

Solaris Real Estate Group, Inc.
Building Your Future
(206) 230-7600 in Seattle

W G C Inc
(206) 361-8241 in Seattle

New Certifications

Congratulations to Absher Construction for certifying 344 multi-family homes at The High Point Community in Seattle as 3-Star Built Green; Anderson Construction Group, Inc. for certifying four new multi-family homes in Seattle as 2-Star Built Green; Arriva Properties LLC for certifying three new homes in Marysville as 3-Star Built Green; The Dwelling Company for certifying 48 homes at The High Point Community in Seattle as 3-Star Built Green; Fine Construction for certifying a new home in Burien as 3-Star Built Green; Fradkin Fine Construction for certifying a remodel project in Seattle as 3-Star Built Green; GGLO Architects for certifying the 82-unit multi-family project at the Greenbridge Community in King County as 3-Star Built Green; Howland Homes LLC for certifying 28 new homes at Sea Holly, Nandina, Bayberry, and Sumac in Seattle as 3-Star Built Green; Michel Construction Inc. for certifying nine homes in Edmonds as 3-Star Built Green; Powell Homes for certifying 15 homes in Burien, Seatac, and Des Moines as 2-Star Built Green; and Stuart Silk Architects for certifying a remodel project in Mercer Island as 3-Star Built Green.

Member News

The Northern Pacific chapter of the International Interior Design Association recently held its 4th annual INawards on October 24, 2006. The INawards recognizes demonstrations of excellence in the field of interior design. Entrants are challenged to submit designs that are inspirational, innovative and sustainable. The competition is open to all design professionals in Alaska, Idaho, Washington, Alberta and British Columbia.

Squak Mountain Stone, made by Built Green Member Tiger Mountain Innovations, Inc., was named "Best in Competition" in the Design IN Concept category, which honors un-built interior projects, student work and conceptual or realized product design. The event was moderated by Cindy Allen, Editor-In-Chief of Interior Design magazine. She also served on the jury with Suzanne Tick, the much heralded textile designer and artist from New York, Vicente Wolf, named by numerous magazines as one of the most influential interior designers in the United States and Ronette J. King, Vice President of Gensler San Francisco and a 2001 inductee in the Interior Design Hall of Fame.

Squak Mountain Stone developer and TMI president Amee Quiriconi said of the award, "Receiving this award, in front of so many talented designers in the Pacific Northwest was thrilling! I am excited that Squak Mountain Stone held up under the scrutiny of some of the most influential people in interior design in this country and that they choose to honor us for our efforts."

If you are a member of Built Green and have news you would like to share with our readers, please email your announcement to Built Green.

Recommended Reading

Your Green Home
Alex Wilson's new book, Your Green Home, provides homeowners with up-to-date and objective information on creating a sustainable, healthy, and energy-efficient home.
"I'm often asked by homeowners if there is a single, definitive guide I would recommend for building a house that's truly earth-friendly. Well, folks: this is it. This is the book we've all been waiting for, from Alex Wilson, the best author I know for delivering unbiased, practical and up-to-the-minute information on all things Green. It's a must-read for anyone wanting a new home that's good for themselves AND the planet."
- Sarah Susanka - author, The Not So Big House

Resources

Discover The Beam, a new online resource that enables people to make smarter, more sustainable lifestyle choices.

On November 15, The Beam launched a fully illustrated, national directory of design & building professionals who are committed to sustainability. The directory includes all of the forward-thinking professionals who design, build, remodel, renovate, develop, sell, or finance green residences across the US.

Initially, The Beam's directory will be a tool for design/build professionals to find one another. Rich with both images and information, the Directory will provide a much-needed gathering place for the growing residential green building community to connect, share, partner, and profit together, coast to coast. In spring 2007, The Beam will begin marketing the directory to consumers.

Be a part of the network! Reserve your FREE Introductory Listing now by visiting theBeam.com.

National Fenestration Rating Council - Certified Products Directory Search
NFRC is a nonprofit organization focused on independent rating and labeling of energy efficient windows, doors, skylights and attachment products. NFRC provides a particularly useful search engine for identifying and comparing products based on their efficiency rating. This is a great source for unbiased information on the ratings and efficiency of windows, glass doors and their producers.

Feature

Save-the-Date for the 2007 Built Green™ Conference!

Save the date for our annual Built Green™ Conference on Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at the Everett Events Center in Everett, WA. We are pleased to announce Hunter Lovins as our keynote speaker.

Hunter Lovins is the president of Natural Capitalism, Inc. and one of the world's most renowned advisors on sustainable business. A nationally acclaimed author and champion of sustainable development for over 30 years, she has created several companies, advised numerous governments, corporations and citizens? groups, taught at major universities, and managed international non-profits.

Next year's conference will also include an expo of the latest green products and services, as well as numerous educational workshops on green building, design, marketing, real estate and more!

Sponsorship opportunities are available! For information on how to sponsor the Built Green Conference, please contact MBA Sales & Marketing Director Cecil Stewart by phone at (425) 460-8217, or via e-mail.

Events

Visit the Built Green Washington website for green home building courses and events across the state of Washington.

Thursday, December 14, Bellingham, WA
Sustainable Connections and the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County are proud to announce that registration is now open for the 2006 Green Building Conference on Thursday, December 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. We have been working hard to line up a terrific series of speakers and workshops that will make this one of the most valuable professional development experiences of the year.

Last year this conference attracted 185 industry professionals and same day evaluations indicated they were pleased with how the conference played out. The Trade Show sold out last year and is expected to sell out again. Don't wait to sign up! REGISTER NOW.

Tuesday, March 13, Everett, WA
2007 Built Green Conference
The 2007 Built Green Conference will be held March 13, 2007 at the Everett Events Center in Everett, WA. This is the Northwest's premier green building conference for industry professionals. Built Green welcomes Hunter Lovins, the internationally renowned author and sustainable business advisor, as this year's keynote speaker.

The conference will include an expo of the latest green products and services, in addition to showcasing both new and well-established experts in the field to present over 8 educational workshops. For more information visit the Built Green Conference website, and refer any questions by e-mail to builtgreen@mbaks.com.

Classes

Classes listed below are approved workshops for fulfilling the annual Built Green education requirement for certifying projects.

Visit the Built Green Washington website for green home building courses and events across the state of Washington.

December 14, Seattle, WA
Building Salvage and Deconstruction Workshop
Increased construction activity and housing density in Seattle and King County have resulted in the demolition of large numbers of residential and commercial buildings. This workshop will discuss alternatives to demolition and ways to minimize the amount of demolition debris sent to the landfill.

Learn about:

Who should attend:
Architects, Building Contractors, Demolition Contractors, Developers

Presenters:
Jon Alexander, Sunshine Construction
Dave Bennink, RE-USE Consulting
Levi Woollen-Danner, The ReStore
Kinley Deller, King County Solid Waste
…and other representatives from the used building material industry

(Pre-registration required)
AGC Building
1200 Westlake Avenue North
Seattle 98109
AGC Conference Center, 2nd Floor
Cost: $25 per person; $10 for Built Green Members (a limited number of free spots are available).
To register: (206) 284-4500 or e-mail Bsachse@agcwa.comFor more information, call (206) 684-4150.

Tuesday, January 9, Bellevue, WA.
Introduction to Built Green™
This free seminar provides an introduction to the Built Green™ program from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, at the Master Builders Association Housing Center in Bellevue. Learn how to certify a project and use the checklist, how to join, how the program works, and other resources. The seminar presents examples of projects and covers how to fill out the Built Green checklist. This orientation is required in order to certify homes as Built Green. To register, contact the MBA University registrar via email or go online to www.mbaks.com.

Job Postings

Job Opportunity at Living Shelter Design Architects:
Living Shelter Design Architects is looking for a design professional with a passion for sustainability, and an open, organized and intuitive nature to join our team. Our mission is to create places that are healthy to live in, help restore the natural environment, and enrich the community. Our work includes exciting projects in cottage developments, affordable housing, custom homes, innovative mixed-use and eco-tourist facilities.

The position we are currently offering involves all phases of project management including program development, planning, research, design, documentation and construction administration. Responsibilities include client design negotiations, code and construction knowledge, project budgeting and contracts and team leading on mid-sized projects.

If you would like more information please contact: terry@livingshelter.com.

Letter from the Director

While the December Built Green News seems like a good time to do a year in review, I’m going to wait until January when 2006 numbers are final in order to do that. For this issue, I'd like to talk about a small slice of the actual environmental difference Built Green is making. It's easy to get caught up in the ideology of green building, rapid growth and media attention around the movement, and sexy spreads of architectural wonders in nearly every magazine you open. But where does the rubber meet the road? Are we really making a difference?

I took some time this month to crunch some numbers and find out how much energy is being saved in Built Green certified homes. It's not a coincidence that I chose to focus on energy efficient appliances and lighting - there are established metrics for savings on these items as compared to national averages. It can be very difficult to surmise the savings for dalylighting strategies, thermal heat gain, landscape design to optimize energy efficiency, or even higher insulation levels. But even based only on 6 of the 287 line items in the checklist - those that pertain to Energy Star certified appliances and fluorescent lighting, a picture of environmental meaning takes form. All of the following numbers reflect Built Green projects certified through November of 2006.

That's a total of 755,441 KwH saved annually by these homes, or 1,170,934 pounds of CO2 NOT put into the atmoshphere. Incidentally, that's 224 average cars kept off the road just by utilizing 6 of the credits in the Energy Efficiency section - not to mention the rest of the energy efficiency measures and all of the impacts being made in the Site and Water, Materials Efficiency, and Indoor Air Quality arenas. The lesson in this exercise is that while hype and marketing are characteristics of a burgeoning mainstream green building market, at its roots green building is still about real and meaningful environmental preservation.

- Aaron Adelstein

Contact Built Green

Master Builders Association
335 - 116th Avenue SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
P: (425) 460-8238
F: (425) 646-5985
builtgreen@mbaks.com
www.builtgreen.net

Master Builders Association Calendar of Events

If you have news items for this newsletter, please send us an email. Click here for Directions to the Master Builders Association.