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We are seeing drastic signs of climate change in Seattle and throughout Washington State. Smokey summers and droughts are becoming more common and snowpack and stream flows have been altered and are decreasing our future water supply and hydropower production. At the same time, energy and water demands are increasing with population growth. We must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change and to achieve the City’s transition to a clean energy future. Our buildings make up about one-third of Seattle’s emissions. SDCI offers the following incentives to help solve this crisis:
- Priority Green Expedited: Offers faster building permit review and processing for new construction projects that meet green building requirements, with a focus on energy, water, indoor air quality, and resource conservation.
- Green Building Standard (Zoning Incentive): Offers additional floor area, height, or allows a second accessory dwelling unit in exchange for meeting the green building standards in the Land Use Code (SMC 23.58D).
- Living Building Pilot & 2030 Challenge Pilot: Offers considerably more height and floor area for projects achieving stringent green building requirements. The Living Building Pilot is based on the Living Building challenge rating system and focuses on energy, water, and materials. The 2030 challenge is for existing buildings and is focused on energy, water, and transportation.
We have started updating our green building incentive eligibility requirements for Priority Green Expedited and the Green Building Standard. What we give you in exchange for meeting the eligibility requirements is not expected to change. The Living Building Pilot will be revised in 2021 and is not part of these changes.
The proposed changes will require all new buildings using the Green Building Standard (SMC 23.58D) to:
- Use only electricity for space and water heating and cooking
- Obtain a green building certification through an approved green building rating organization
- Remove and properly dispose of any exterior non-load-bearing lead painted materials (typically siding) prior to demolition of structures built prior to 1978
The proposed changes will require all new buildings using Priority Green Expedited to:
- Use only electricity for space and water heating and cooking
- Obtain a green building certification through an approved green building rating organization or use the SDCI Alternative Path option for residential projects three stories or less in height
- Remove and properly dispose of any exterior non-load-bearing lead painted materials (typically siding) prior to demolition of structures built prior to 1978
- Meet additional criteria for size limits, embodied carbon, energy efficiency, refrigerant management, and indoor air quality
For more information please visit our Green Building webpage. The changes will be effective on February 1, 2021 when we implement the 2018 Seattle Construction Code.
We want to hear from you!
Please email your comments to sciprioritygreen@seattle.gov, using the subject line “Incentives Update Comments.”
A new Director’s Rule for the Green Building Standard will be available in December and will have a separate comment period.