2009 Seattle Energy Code takes effect today for nonresidential spaces
The 2009 Seattle Energy Code is now in effect for nonresidential spaces. The revised requirements for residential spaces will take effect on 1 January 2011. For determining the 2009 Seattle Energy Code requirements, you need to look at both the 2009 Washington State Energy Code and the Seattle ordinance. Wherever the Seattle ordinance contains modifications to a section, the ordinance language supersedes the 2009 Washington State Energy Code. There is no one document at this point that folds all the text together.
Work is underway to prepare code insert pages with the Seattle amendments, and to update the Seattle Energy Code website, compliance forms, CAMs and Director’s Rules. See the “2009 Seattle Energy Code Update” link in the upper right hand corner of the Seattle Energy Code homepage: www.seattle.gov/dpd/energy . New material will be posted as it becomes available. DPD will schedule public training sessions after the updated materials are available.
John Hogan, AIA, P.E., LEED Accredited Professional
Seattle Department of Planning & Development (DPD)
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019
(john.hogan@seattle.gov)
voice: 206-386-9145
fax: 206-386-4039
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
ASHRAE Government Affairs Update, 11/19/10
- Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (H.R.5112) May Pass in House of Representatives
- DOE Launches New Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee
- Building Envelope Program Launches Blog to Better Communicate with Stakeholders
Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (H.R.5112) May Pass in House of Representatives
Expect the unexpected is a good rule to follow with Congress. In the waning days of the 111th Congress, one of ASHRAE’s priority bills – the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act (H.R.5112) has a real chance of passing the House, but only if two Representatives from Florida pull their opposition.
The Representatives in focus are John L. Mica (R-FL), the senior Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), the senior Republican on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the committee with jurisdiction over H.R.5112.
The Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act would help the federal government meet its ambitious safety, security, energy and water savings, and greenhouse gas reductions goals by identifying core competencies and providing relevant courses, certifications, degrees, licenses, and registrations for federal personnel performing building operations and maintenance, energy management, safety, and design functions.
If Representatives Mica and Diaz-Balart allow this bill to be considered, there is a good chance it will pass in the House, and possibly the Senate in the next couple of weeks, before the 111th Congress concludes.
For more information on the bill, please contact Mark Ames, ASHRAE Manager of Government Affairs at mames@ashrae.org, or by phone at 202-833-1830. To view the text of the bill, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/, click the “Bill Number” button, and search for H.R.5112.
DOE Launches New Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the establishment of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Advisory Committee (ERAC). ERAC is a federal advisory committee whose members will report directly to the Secretary of Energy with advice on the portfolio of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The 19 members selected have experience in a variety of sectors and will bring a range of technical expertise and perspectives to the committee.
“We are fortunate to have such knowledgeable people volunteering their time and efforts to the Department's clean energy endeavors,” said DOE Secretary Dr. Steven Chu. “They will be contributing their expertise and experience to help address the energy challenges faced by our nation.”
ERAC will periodically review EERE's portfolio and provide advice to the Secretary of Energy on a variety of areas, including: completion of long-range plans, priorities and strategies; program funding; and any issues of specific concern expressed by the Secretary of Energy or the Assistant Secretary for EERE. ERAC is expected to meet twice a year; the meetings will be open to the public. The Committee is being established in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). DOE also expects to organize various subcommittees under ERAC.
ERAC will hold its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, November 20, 2010 at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20585. This meeting is open to the public, and ASHRAE will be in attendance. For more information, including the agenda, please visit http://bit.ly/aa1XLC.
For more information on ERAC members visit the EERE Advisory Committee Web Site at http://bit.ly/bFWlZh. To view the press release, visit http://bit.ly/8YeTbP.
Building Envelope Program Launches Blog to Better Communicate with Stakeholders
The Building Technologies Program under the U.S. Department of Energy recently announced the launch of the Building Envelope and Windows R&D Program Blog (http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/buildingenvelope/), which will serve as a new resource for up-to-date information on the Building Envelope and Windows R&D program, and will include updates on activities ranging from Cool Roofs to the Windows Volume Purchase Program (http://bit.ly/br5LxB). This new blog will engage program stakeholders for feedback on program activities and reports, as well as provide information on upcoming meetings and workshops.
This blog will also be a resource for archived information, including past presentations and posts with comments included (found under the "Archive" tab). Some time next year, EERE's Building Envelope R&D Program's Web site (http://bit.ly/cHRSlg) will undergo a re-vamping; more details will be posted on the blog. Please e-mail Walt Zalis (wzalis@energetics.com) if you have any questions or concerns.
For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/95tED0.
New ASHRAE GreenGuide
New ASHRAE GreenGuide Features Guidance on Sustainable Planning, Carbon, Water Efficiency and Existing Buildings
ATLANTA – The newly published third edition of the ASHRAE GreenGuide: The Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable Buildings is an updated version of this easy-to-use reference that covers the need-to-know information on what to do, where to turn, what to suggest and how to interact with other members of the design team in a productive way.
The book features new information on guidelines on sustainable energy master planning; updates on teaming strategies; information on how issues related to carbon emissions affect building design and operational decisions; building information modeling (BIM); strategies for greening existing buildings; updates on newly developed green building rating systems and standards; and compliance strategies for key ASHRAE standards. Also, the GreenTips found throughout this edition highlight techniques, processes, measures or special systems in a concise format.
“The ASHRAE GreenGuide is a living document meant to be used by proactive design engineers working on green building design projects as part of a team that provides ideas and guidance of what to do, where to turn, what to advise and how to interact with other team members in a productive way,” John Swift, co-author and co-editor of the GreenGuide, said.
A new chapter covers architectural design and planning impacts, including sustainable master planning. Such planning addresses resource use, landscape concerns and environmental, economic and social concerns. A major part of such planning is energy and water use.
“As a smart building services engineer, one must be familiar with the flows of energy from generation through transmissions to consumption,” Tom Lawrence, co-author and chair of ASHRAE’s technical committee on building environmental impacts, said. “Understanding these flows is critical to being able to provide solutions that increase overall system efficiencies and facilitate energy reductions at all levels.”
The cost of the ASHRAE GreenGuide is $98 ($83, ASHRAE members). To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, or visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore
Contact: Jodi Scott, Public Relations, 678.539.1140, jscott@ashrae.org
ASHRAE is an international technical society that fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
ATLANTA – The newly published third edition of the ASHRAE GreenGuide: The Design, Construction and Operation of Sustainable Buildings is an updated version of this easy-to-use reference that covers the need-to-know information on what to do, where to turn, what to suggest and how to interact with other members of the design team in a productive way.
The book features new information on guidelines on sustainable energy master planning; updates on teaming strategies; information on how issues related to carbon emissions affect building design and operational decisions; building information modeling (BIM); strategies for greening existing buildings; updates on newly developed green building rating systems and standards; and compliance strategies for key ASHRAE standards. Also, the GreenTips found throughout this edition highlight techniques, processes, measures or special systems in a concise format.
“The ASHRAE GreenGuide is a living document meant to be used by proactive design engineers working on green building design projects as part of a team that provides ideas and guidance of what to do, where to turn, what to advise and how to interact with other team members in a productive way,” John Swift, co-author and co-editor of the GreenGuide, said.
A new chapter covers architectural design and planning impacts, including sustainable master planning. Such planning addresses resource use, landscape concerns and environmental, economic and social concerns. A major part of such planning is energy and water use.
“As a smart building services engineer, one must be familiar with the flows of energy from generation through transmissions to consumption,” Tom Lawrence, co-author and chair of ASHRAE’s technical committee on building environmental impacts, said. “Understanding these flows is critical to being able to provide solutions that increase overall system efficiencies and facilitate energy reductions at all levels.”
The cost of the ASHRAE GreenGuide is $98 ($83, ASHRAE members). To order, contact ASHRAE Customer Service at 1-800-527-4723 (United States and Canada) or 404-636-8400 (worldwide), fax 404-321-5478, or visit www.ashrae.org/bookstore
Contact: Jodi Scott, Public Relations, 678.539.1140, jscott@ashrae.org
ASHRAE is an international technical society that fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
AIA Seattle Announces 2010 Honor Awards for Washington Architecture
Thirteen projects recognized for defying expectations
VIEW THE WINNERS AND ALL SUBMITTED PROJECTS
Tonight (Novemer 10, 2010), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle chapter honored architects and their project teams from across Washington State for projects exemplifying best examples in a broad array of sectors from residential to commercial. Award-winning projects, announced at a packed event at the historic Moore Theatre, served as powerful demonstrations of design solutions that were modest, yet sophisticated and each stretching the definition of what is considered “Seattle architecture.” Project images and information, including project teams can be found online at http://2010honorawards.aiaseattle.org/winners.
Of the 170 submittals to the 2010 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, one received an Honor Award four received Merit Awards, three received Commendations, and five received a Citation for their work. EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution images of awarded projects available upon request.
The project receiving an Honor Award is Colman Triplex by Workshop AD. Jurors felt this project was a “model for future residential building in the city” and discussed how the typology “had the right amount of detail” and while “fun”, clearly showed that a “level of thought was carried through from smallest to biggest decisions.” According to the jury, the project “achieved its goal and was consistent throughout.” Overall, they felt it demonstrated what it means when “architecture is life; [one] could visualize what it really means to be a family living downtown.” One juror expressed plainly: “This is what we need in a city.”
Four projects received Merit Awards. They include Bodega Residence by Cutler Anderson Architects; Port Townsend Residence by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Seattle Children's Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center by NBBJ; and Suncrest Residence by Heliotrope Architects.
Four Commendations were awarded: Building 115 by Graham Baba Architects;
Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club and Rainier Valley Teen Center by Weinstein AU Architects + Urban Designers LLC; and The Kolstrand Building by Graham Baba Architects.
The following five projects received Citations: Art Stable Hinge by Olson Kundig Architects; Deployable Greenhouses by atelierjones; Steel Stair by DeForest Architects; T Bailey Offices by Olson Kundig Architects; University of Washington West Campus Student Housing by Mahlum.
Of the 13 projects selected, 12 were either located or envisioned in Washington State.
The on-stage jury discussion ranged from an exploration of subtle details to a general show of appreciation for Seattle’s ability to innovate as a city. The jury also discussed the important role of clients play in the design process going as far as to say, “You can’t get good architecture without good clients.”
The three-person jury included Jim Jennings AIA (SF) Sheila O’Donnell Hon. FAIA (Dublin) and Gilles Saucier, FRAIC (Montréal). The event was moderated by and My Architect director Nathaniel Kahn. Co-Chairs for the 2010 AIA Seattle Honor Awards were Tyler Engle AIA of Tyler Engle Architects and Ray Calabro AIA of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
The program was sponsored by DCI Engineers, Foster Pepper, Lane Powell and schuchart/dow. Also sponsoring were Charter Construction, Clothier & Head, Coffman Engineers, Hoffman Construction, Inn at the Market, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction, McKinstry, PCS Structural Solutions, Schultz Miller Stantec, SvR Design Company, Swenson Say Fagét, TRUEbenefits, Turner Construction, WSP Flack + Kurtz , and Washington Archives Management
The program featured a short film produced and contributed by studio/216. Décor, graphic design and other services and materials were contributed in-kind by ZGF, NBBJ, Yuri Kinoshita, Inform Interiors, fleurish, Inn at the Market, Sellen Construction, Hewitt, and Olympic Reprographics.
See the 2010 Honor Awards Project Teams
Stephanie Pure, (206) 448-4938 ext. 103, stephaniep@aiaseattle.org
VIEW THE WINNERS AND ALL SUBMITTED PROJECTS
Tonight (Novemer 10, 2010), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Seattle chapter honored architects and their project teams from across Washington State for projects exemplifying best examples in a broad array of sectors from residential to commercial. Award-winning projects, announced at a packed event at the historic Moore Theatre, served as powerful demonstrations of design solutions that were modest, yet sophisticated and each stretching the definition of what is considered “Seattle architecture.” Project images and information, including project teams can be found online at http://2010honorawards.aiaseattle.org/winners.
Of the 170 submittals to the 2010 AIA Seattle Honor Awards, one received an Honor Award four received Merit Awards, three received Commendations, and five received a Citation for their work. EDITOR’S NOTE: High-resolution images of awarded projects available upon request.
The project receiving an Honor Award is Colman Triplex by Workshop AD. Jurors felt this project was a “model for future residential building in the city” and discussed how the typology “had the right amount of detail” and while “fun”, clearly showed that a “level of thought was carried through from smallest to biggest decisions.” According to the jury, the project “achieved its goal and was consistent throughout.” Overall, they felt it demonstrated what it means when “architecture is life; [one] could visualize what it really means to be a family living downtown.” One juror expressed plainly: “This is what we need in a city.”
Four projects received Merit Awards. They include Bodega Residence by Cutler Anderson Architects; Port Townsend Residence by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; Seattle Children's Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center by NBBJ; and Suncrest Residence by Heliotrope Architects.
Four Commendations were awarded: Building 115 by Graham Baba Architects;
Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club and Rainier Valley Teen Center by Weinstein AU Architects + Urban Designers LLC; and The Kolstrand Building by Graham Baba Architects.
The following five projects received Citations: Art Stable Hinge by Olson Kundig Architects; Deployable Greenhouses by atelierjones; Steel Stair by DeForest Architects; T Bailey Offices by Olson Kundig Architects; University of Washington West Campus Student Housing by Mahlum.
Of the 13 projects selected, 12 were either located or envisioned in Washington State.
The on-stage jury discussion ranged from an exploration of subtle details to a general show of appreciation for Seattle’s ability to innovate as a city. The jury also discussed the important role of clients play in the design process going as far as to say, “You can’t get good architecture without good clients.”
The three-person jury included Jim Jennings AIA (SF) Sheila O’Donnell Hon. FAIA (Dublin) and Gilles Saucier, FRAIC (Montréal). The event was moderated by and My Architect director Nathaniel Kahn. Co-Chairs for the 2010 AIA Seattle Honor Awards were Tyler Engle AIA of Tyler Engle Architects and Ray Calabro AIA of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
The program was sponsored by DCI Engineers, Foster Pepper, Lane Powell and schuchart/dow. Also sponsoring were Charter Construction, Clothier & Head, Coffman Engineers, Hoffman Construction, Inn at the Market, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction, McKinstry, PCS Structural Solutions, Schultz Miller Stantec, SvR Design Company, Swenson Say Fagét, TRUEbenefits, Turner Construction, WSP Flack + Kurtz , and Washington Archives Management
The program featured a short film produced and contributed by studio/216. Décor, graphic design and other services and materials were contributed in-kind by ZGF, NBBJ, Yuri Kinoshita, Inform Interiors, fleurish, Inn at the Market, Sellen Construction, Hewitt, and Olympic Reprographics.
See the 2010 Honor Awards Project Teams
Stephanie Pure, (206) 448-4938 ext. 103, stephaniep@aiaseattle.org
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
International Code Council (ICC) Takes Action on ASHRAE Proposals
ATLANTA – International building codes will incorporate requirements from a new load calculation standard from ASHRAE and ACCA as well as match requirements from Standard 90.1 under several recent proposals recently approved by the ICC membership.
Final action hearings took place during the last week of October to determine the final disposition on ASHRAE proposals to the ICC, which develops model codes that may be adopted by code jurisdictions in the United States or internationally. The actions taken will next appear in the 2012 I-Codes – due out in April 2011.
Under a proposal to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems will be required by ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180-2009, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems. The standard establishes minimum requirements for inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure proper functionality which will save energy and money for the building owner in addition to preventing potential accidents by failing systems.
“Inclusion of Standard 180 in code documents is an important advance,” Robert Baker, chair of the Standard 180 committee, said. “Proper maintenance is critical to preserving an HVAC Systems ability to continue to realize the energy efficiency capabilities that are designed into today’s systems. If we are to realize the vital energy independence goals that we have established, excellence in maintenance will be an important part of the package of things we must achieve.”
“Correctly designing and installing an HVAC system are only the first steps to proper performance of the system,” John Sedine, president, Engineered Heating & Cooling; ACCA chairman of the BOD, said. “An HVAC system must be properly maintained or it does not perform as originally designed; contributing to unhealthy environments, consuming excess energy, and reducing comfort levels. ACCA congratulates the code enforcement community’s adoption of the ACCA/ASHRAE 180 Commercial Maintenance Standard; providing code officials with a nationally-recognized standard to which they can refer. This is an important step toward safer and more efficient commercial buildings.”
Also approved were proposed changes regarding energy stringency based on requirements in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. These changes include:
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons.
ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
Final action hearings took place during the last week of October to determine the final disposition on ASHRAE proposals to the ICC, which develops model codes that may be adopted by code jurisdictions in the United States or internationally. The actions taken will next appear in the 2012 I-Codes – due out in April 2011.
Under a proposal to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems will be required by ANSI/ASHRAE/ACCA Standard 180-2009, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems. The standard establishes minimum requirements for inspection and maintenance of HVAC systems to ensure proper functionality which will save energy and money for the building owner in addition to preventing potential accidents by failing systems.
“Inclusion of Standard 180 in code documents is an important advance,” Robert Baker, chair of the Standard 180 committee, said. “Proper maintenance is critical to preserving an HVAC Systems ability to continue to realize the energy efficiency capabilities that are designed into today’s systems. If we are to realize the vital energy independence goals that we have established, excellence in maintenance will be an important part of the package of things we must achieve.”
“Correctly designing and installing an HVAC system are only the first steps to proper performance of the system,” John Sedine, president, Engineered Heating & Cooling; ACCA chairman of the BOD, said. “An HVAC system must be properly maintained or it does not perform as originally designed; contributing to unhealthy environments, consuming excess energy, and reducing comfort levels. ACCA congratulates the code enforcement community’s adoption of the ACCA/ASHRAE 180 Commercial Maintenance Standard; providing code officials with a nationally-recognized standard to which they can refer. This is an important step toward safer and more efficient commercial buildings.”
Also approved were proposed changes regarding energy stringency based on requirements in ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. These changes include:
- Adding requirements for areas under skylights, including lighting controls in areas where skylights are used in order to take advantage of natural light in conditioned spaces.
- Modifying equipment efficiency requirements for heat rejection and heat transfer equipment including open and closed circuit cooling towers, chillers, unitary air-conditioning and condensing units, unitary and applied heat pumps, singe package vertical air conditioners and packaged terminal air conditioners.
- Modifying the piping insulation requirements
Also related to 90.1 was a proposal that rewrote the majority of the commercial chapter of the IECC. This proposal maintained the reference to the prescriptive requirements of Standard 90.1, and made the following requirements consistent with 90.1-2010:
- Fenestration leakage
- Demand control ventilation
- Energy recovery
- Economizer efficiency
- Lighting controls, including daylight zone controls and manual lighting controls
- Lighting system functional testing
- Building area and space by space lighting power densities
ASHRAE, founded in 1894, is an international organization of some 50,000 persons.
ASHRAE fulfills its mission of advancing heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a sustainable world through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education.
Friday, November 5, 2010
City of Seattle NEWS RELEASE
Mike McGinn, Mayor
For Immediate Release November 4, 2010
Contact: Bryan Stevens, 206.684.5045 bryan.stevens@seattle.gov
Rebecca Baker, 206.615.1171 rebecca.baker@seattle.gov
Streamlining Sustainable Development
Seattle Launches Priority Green Expedited Permitting for Residential, Multifamily
and Commercial Projects
Interested in faster review times? A single point of contact ? Priority Green has been expanded to meet your needs. To simplify and better direct you to the appropriate program, all green permitting incentives have been organized under the Priority Green name. Seattle is now providing incentives accessible to any applicant designing a green project.
“We are fortunate that the Seattle community has a strong culture of sustainability. Our Priority Green permit incentive program is designed to make green building standard practice and accessible to all our applicants so that we can work together to build a sustainable future.” Diane Sugimura, Director of Seattle Department of Planning and Development
DPD’s Priority Green program began with a goal of facilitating very innovative projects showcasing emerging sustainable design. The program has evolved with input from stakeholders, most notably the Green Building Task force. The task force recommended an expedited permitting program and technical support for code challenges. These recommendations have been realized with Priority Green Expedited focusing on typical green building projects and the Innovation Advisory Committee focusing on emerging technologies.
Priority Green Expedited has been expanded to include multifamily and commercial projects in addition to single family and townhome projects that began in October 2009. DPD will continue to incentivize innovative and Living Building projects meeting Architecture 2030 through Priority Green Facilitation.
“Priority Green is a fantastic way to encourage green building in Seattle. The inventive programs meet the city’s environmental goals while leveraging existing city services. Expedited permit review saves time and money while promoting healthier, more sustainable residential and commercial building practices.” Richard Franko, Mithun, Green Building Task Force Member.
For Immediate Release November 4, 2010
Contact: Bryan Stevens, 206.684.5045 bryan.stevens@seattle.gov
Rebecca Baker, 206.615.1171 rebecca.baker@seattle.gov
Streamlining Sustainable Development
Seattle Launches Priority Green Expedited Permitting for Residential, Multifamily
and Commercial Projects
Interested in faster review times? A single point of contact ? Priority Green has been expanded to meet your needs. To simplify and better direct you to the appropriate program, all green permitting incentives have been organized under the Priority Green name. Seattle is now providing incentives accessible to any applicant designing a green project.
“We are fortunate that the Seattle community has a strong culture of sustainability. Our Priority Green permit incentive program is designed to make green building standard practice and accessible to all our applicants so that we can work together to build a sustainable future.” Diane Sugimura, Director of Seattle Department of Planning and Development
DPD’s Priority Green program began with a goal of facilitating very innovative projects showcasing emerging sustainable design. The program has evolved with input from stakeholders, most notably the Green Building Task force. The task force recommended an expedited permitting program and technical support for code challenges. These recommendations have been realized with Priority Green Expedited focusing on typical green building projects and the Innovation Advisory Committee focusing on emerging technologies.
Priority Green Expedited has been expanded to include multifamily and commercial projects in addition to single family and townhome projects that began in October 2009. DPD will continue to incentivize innovative and Living Building projects meeting Architecture 2030 through Priority Green Facilitation.
“Priority Green is a fantastic way to encourage green building in Seattle. The inventive programs meet the city’s environmental goals while leveraging existing city services. Expedited permit review saves time and money while promoting healthier, more sustainable residential and commercial building practices.” Richard Franko, Mithun, Green Building Task Force Member.
Additional information
All Priority Green projects benefit from:
- Dedicated staff facilitation
- Priority intake appointments, routing and issuance
- A single point of contact for prompt responses
Priority Green EXPEDITED shortens review times for new single family and townhomes (formerly Green Q), and multifamily and commercial projects. Minimum levels of participation are Built Green 4 Star or LEED Silver (single family and townhomes projects) or LEED Gold (multifamily and commercial projects). Smaller residential projects may also choose DPD’s Alternative Path.
Benefits include
- shorter initial plan review:
o 4 weeks faster for single family and townhomes
o 2 weeks faster for multifamily and commercial
Priority Green FACILITATED assists all project types that meet innovative green building standards that may encounter code challenges. Projects must meet DPD’s criteria for Innovative projects or participate in the Living Building Challenge.
Benefits include
- priority plan review
- integrated review to identify and resolve issues
- flexibility in applying the Seattle Land Use Code for Living Building Pilot projects
Priority Green TOOLS provide additional code incentives to assist applicants in developing green projects. Includes early code review of innovative green strategies through the Innovation Advisory Committee, additional development potential for green projects utilizing Incentive Zoning, and early issuance of demolition permits for Residential Deconstruction.
Successes to Date
Fifteen projects have applied for the Priority Green Facilitated program, one has been completed and 3 others are under construction. Twelve single family and townhomes applications have been received since 2009 for DPD’s expedited process, representing about 9% of projects of this type. Ten have received permits and are under construction.
For more information visit www.seattle.gov/dpd/prioritygreen
Jess Harris
Seattle Green Permitting Lead
206.684.7744
jess.harris@seattle.gov
Rebecca Baker, LEED AP
City Green Building
Seattle Department of Planning and Development
rebecca.baker@seattle.gov
206.615.1171
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