Green building and low impact development

What is meant by green building? Green building, or sustainable building, in King County refers to design, construction, and operation practices that significantly reduce resource consumption and environmental impacts through sustainable site planning energy efficiency water conservation waste minimization pollution prevention using resource-efficient materials providing enhanced indoor environmental quality for occupants.

Greenbridge, a Built Green development. Learn about incentives for going green.

Go-green incentives: DDES permitting incentives as well as state, federal, and utility energy-efficiency incentives are available to help encourage green building and low impact development in unincorporated King County.

What is low impact development?

Low impact development (LID), an approach to land development that focuses on how water enters a site, is stored on-site, and leaves a site, incorporates practices that minimize impervious surface, protect and enhance native vegetation and soils, and manage stormwater at its source.

Benefits of green building and low impact development

• Cost savings. Energy and water efficient designs reduce monthly utility bills.
• Health and safety. Proper ventilation and low or non-toxic materials and finishes contribute to a safer, healthier home.
• Added value. Use of durable green materials, lower operating costs, and healthier indoor air quality can increase a building's market value.
• Ecological benefit. Making environmentally responsible choices when building helps reduce pollution while protecting forests and wildlife.

More information on green building

See green building resources and incentives for more information, or contact Cynthia Moffitt at 206-296-6792 or e-mail cynthia.moffitt@kingcounty.gov.

*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. For assistance, see helpful hints.

To request this information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY Relay: 711.