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Building for a Healthy Environment in King County

Third Quarter 2008

Welcome to the new issue of the King County GreenTools Newsletter, a periodic electronic update to County and City staff interested in green building and sustainable development. The newsletter is produced by King County Solid Waste Division’s GreenTools green building program.

To submit stories, events, or announcements, click here.

King County Green Building and Sustainable Development Practices Ordinance passes
On June 23, the King County Council passed ordinance 2008-0107, requiring all new county-owned and county-financed building projects to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification or higher. Projects that cannot meet these requirements (such as infrastructure projects) must still comply with a sustainable development scorecard that will be developed by the County Green Building Team by the beginning of 2009. In addition, the ordinance mentions annual reporting requirements where divisions summarize their green building and sustainable development practices, it requires training for project managers on these practices, and it better clarifies the role of the county-wide Green Building Team. For more info on this ordinance, click here.

Ecohaus opens new branch in Bellevue
Eastside Business Journal Article, August 6, 2008
Ecohaus, a green building supply retailer, opened a new showroom in Bellevue on August 8th — located at 13131 NE 20th Street. They celebrated their grand opening throughout their first month, with prizes, special visitors, and workshops. Ecohaus already has branches in South Seattle and Portland. Read more...

Southard sisters featured in Sustainable Industries Journal
Sustainable Industries Journal, June 2008
The June issue of Sustainable Industries Journal featured Patti Southard of the King County Green Tools Team and her sister, Ellen Southard, a Principal at Belt Collins — a planning and civil engineering firm. A lively and informative interview, Ellen and Patti discuss how they ended up where they are today, and gets their personal takes on the green building industry. You can read this article online.

Top 10 Green Building Products
Sustainable Industries Journal, June 2008
For the third straight year, Sustainable Industries has released a list of the Top 10 Green Building Products for 2008. This year’s products were rated from the following areas: LEED compatibility, environmental performance, value, scalability/market impact, innovativeness, and design aesthetic. To view the online supplement that lists and describes these products and the companies that make them, click here (requires that you register with the site first).

County green building programs on the rise
Architecture and Design Article, July 14, 2008
According to the American Institute of Architects, the number of county green building programs around the country has quintupled since in the last five years— from eight in 2003, to 39 in 2008. Read more...

The rising market share of green buildings
Los Angeles Times, July 27, 2008
The LA Times has recently reported on a study showing that green–certified buildings now account for 6-10 percent of the total building market — and this is expected to double in 10 years. You can read the entire article by clicking on the link. Read more...

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Seattle University's Piggott Hall Registration deadline is September 12th

Are you a local elected government official, manager or staff from King County or from King County's urban and suburban cities? Please join us in a one-day conference and get up-to-the-minute information on green building and green built environment strategies.

'Greening in Place' will provide you with green strategies for new construction, building renovation, operations and maintenance, and other built environment infrastructure. Creating a sustainable built environment in King County requires collaboration, so this conference will be a premier information-sharing and networking event, with keynote speaker, recognition awards, tours of green buildings, and technical education sessions. You'll hear about, discuss, and experience:

• Technology and Materials
• Planning, Policy, Incentives, and Costs
• Operations, Maintenance, and Resource Conservation
• Practical Applications and Case Studies

Who should attend?
Elected local government policymakers, project managers, planners, engineers, and public works and facilities staff from throughout King County. The $45 registration fee includes breakfast and lunch. To register and see a session agenda click here.

NACO Green Government Webinars
The National Association of Counties offers several Green Government “Webinars” each month. These free online and phone-based information sessions offer important ideas and resources for county green building programs around the country. For registration information, and to see a complete list of upcoming Webinars, click here, and for additional information contact Kelly Zonderwyk or call 202-942-4224.

Placing green projects, constructed or conceptual, from around the county in the "limelight." Have an idea for a feature project? Submit your idea here.

Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station

King County Solid Waste Division Shoreline Recycling and Transfer Station King County Solid Waste Division’s new Recycling and Transfer Station opened in February, and is receiving good reviews for its functionality and many recycling opportunities offered. Now the Division has received notification from the U.S. Green Building Council that the project will be receiving LEED-Platinum certification. Project Manager Lisa Williams emphasized that achieving a high level of environmental performance is a team effort. “Having all of the design and engineering team involved early in the design process was key to making this a very successful project,” says Williams. She also recommends being very clear in specifications and construction documents if alternative materials or systems will be used: “Sit down with your general contractor and make sure the contractor and subs understand what your goals are.” Features of the facility include rainwater collection, skylights and translucent panels to reduce energy consumption for lighting, and extensive use of recycled-content materials. This will be the first LEED-NC (for New Construction) Platinum certified project in King County.

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