Built-Green™ In order to recognize and distinguish newly constructed green homes on the market, King County’s Master Builder Association has developed a rating system to certify Built-Green™ residential construction based on national standards. Scores can range from 1-5 stars depending on the number of points obtained in six critical sections: regulation and code, site and water, energy efficiency, health and indoor air quality, materials efficiency and the promotion of environmentally friendly homeowner operations and maintenance. For a copy of the Built-Green™ homebuilder self-certification checklist please click here.
Natural Building Straw Bale -- Earth-friendly and economical straw bale homes are constructed using straw bales as thick, wall bricks. These homes reduce the amount of timber required for building, as well as offer energy efficiency through excellent insulation. To learn more visit www.strawbale.com or check out Athena Swentzell Steen's book, The Straw Bale House. Cob -- Cob is made from clay, sand and straw that creates a mixture that is flexible and sculptural. Cob homes are energy efficient and cost effective. They can be beautiful and highly livable, but can present challenges with permits and financing. For more information, visit http://www.daycreek.com/dc/HTML/DC_cob.htm or check out The Hand-Sculpted House: A Practical and Philosophical Guide to Building a Cob Cottage by Ianto Evans, Michael G. Smith, and Linda Smiley Rammed Earth -- Rammed earth is made from soil that is mostly clay and sand. The earth is highly compressed to create the structural forms. Like other natural building techniques, it creates a beautiful, sculpted quality. To learn more visit http://www.rammedearthworks.com or check out The Rammed Earth House (Real Goods Independent Living Book) by David Easton. Commercial LEED In commercial building, the green building industry is setting new standards for construction and design across the board, leading to the creation of new technologies, jobs and regulatory code. In the 1990s the U.S. Green Building Council was formed as the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. To learn more about the rating system for green building in the commercial sector visit the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
