Green building integrates sustainable development and sustainability. Green building seeks to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between a structure and its surrounding environment.
Effective green building can:
View this interactive map developed by City GIS staff and Sustainable Connections. It shows 13 different City projects that used Low Impact Development techniques for stormwater management.
Map of green
buildings and low impact developments in
Bellingham (4,700K PDF)
To purchase a hard copy, contact the Planning Division.
Communitiy Energy Challenge - A certification program sponsored by the BIAWC for residential building projects.
Built Green Whatcom County - A certification program sponsored by the BIAWC for residential building projects.
LEED - A certification program sponsored by the US Green Building Council for new construction (residential and commercial) project.
Energy Star NW - Each ENERGY STAR NW qualified home has been built to meet energy efficiency guidelines set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
AMM400 - Advanced Framing (PDF)
AMM305 - Raingardens (PDF)
AMM304 - Amended Soils (PDF)
AMM303 - Vegetated Roof (PDF)
AMM302 - Pavers (PDF)
AMM301 - Pin Foundation (PDF)
AMM300 - Porous Concrete/Asphalt (PDF)
Sustainable Connections’ Green Building and Smart Growth Program works with local government, building industry professionals and community members to promote healthy, durable, efficient, and environmentally responsible homes, neighborhoods and workplaces through education, technical assistance and advocacy. Click here to view Sustainable Connections' Green Building Policy.
Building Industry Association of Whatcom County; Built Green Program provides an easy to understand rating system in order to develop environmentally friendly residential projects and remodels within Whatcom County. This site also includes membership information, participating builders and featured projects.
Cascadia Green Building Chapter is the regional site for the Northwest Chapter of the USGBC. This objective of this site is to provide an accessible roadmap for sustainable building. This site includes resources such as; books, LEED materials, regional resources, green building fact sheets, green posters, LEED AP study materials and information on past and future workshops and presentations.
USGBC: The United States Green Building Council is a non-profit organization that certifies LEED development projects and is dedicated to expanding green building practices including LEED Neighborhood Design. (LEED ND)
Green Tools by King County, created by the Solid Waste Division, serves as a resource for information on green building certification programs, guidebooks for residential remodeling, construction recycling, deconstruction techniques and a green building evaluator.
King County Green Remodel Guides covers common remodeling topics, giving helpful hints on materials and strategies to create a home that is healthy, saves money, and is easy on the environment. The guides are available in PDF format.
Energy Star Program is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites outlines the best management practices for tree protection in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information, contact the City of Bellingham Green Team at firstname.lastname@example.org