Public Policy Initiatives
Seattle's Sustainable Building's and Sites Policy
The Sustainable Buildings and Sites Policy for municipal facilities in Seattle calls for new construction and major renovations 5,000 square feet or greater to meet LEED Gold, as well as key performance requirements for energy and water efficiency, waste diversion and bicycle facilities; for Tenant Improvements 5,000 square or greater (with MEP) to meet LEED Gold, as well as water efficiency and waste diversion requirements; for small projects, either new construction, renovations or tenant improvements, to utilize Capital Green in project planning and development; and for all new and existing sites projects to follow best management practices. For more information, contact Sandra Mallory at sandra.mallory@seattle.gov.
Building Energy Benchmarking & Reporting Ordinance
Seattle passed (CB 116731) to establish a standard for regular energy performance benchmarking, disclosure and reporting for non-residential and multi-family buildings. The ordinance requires large non-residential and multi-family property owners in Seattle to annually measure, or benchmark, energy use and provide the City with ratings to allow comparison across different buildings. Building owners will be required to share energy usage and ratings with prospective buyers, tenants and lenders during the sale, lease or financing of properties. More
Downtown Density Bonus
Downtown zoning legislation has incorporated a LEED incentive into updated rules for the central office core and adjoining areas, including Denny Triangle and a portion of Belltown. These changes provide greater heights and/or greater maximum floor area for commercial and residential buildings.
Office of Sustainability and Environment
The City's Office of Sustainability and Environment collaborates with City agencies, business groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to protect and enhance Seattle's distinctive environmental quality and livability. For a list of all City of Seattle environmental initiatives and programs visit Office of Sustainability and Environment's resource directory.
Seattle Climate Action Plan
The 2009 Climate Protection Initiative Progress Report details the city’s myriad environmental programs such as bicycle and pedestrian improvements; new transit options; electric car infrastructure; conservation efforts and green building programs. More...
Green Building Capital Initiative Policies
Seattle's Green Building Capital Initiative is a suite of policies that represent the culmination of the year-long Green Building Task Force effort to improve energy efficiency by 20% in existing building stock and create carbon neutral new construction.
Green Seattle Partnership
A unique public/private partnership between the City and the Cascade Land Conservancy and volunteers actively working together to restore and maintain Seattle’s forested parklands. More..
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Learn about how to comply with the new stormwater codes using Green Stormwater Infrastructure. More...
Restore Our Waters
“Restore Our Waters” is the City of Seattle’s commitment to take actions and promote partnerships that protect and improve our creeks, lakes, the Duwamish River and Puget Sound.
Seattle’s Urban Forest Management Plan
A long term vision for increasing tree canopy cover (the percent of the city covered by trees as seen in an aerial view) and the myriad environmental, social, and economic benefits associated with trees in urban areas. More...
Zero Waste Strategy
To increase recycling, reduce trash and upgrade Seattle’s transfer stations council included s Zero Waste Strategy, Resolution 30990. More...
Internal Policies
Green Fleets a plan to “green” the City’s fleet. The City is reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet of vehicles by reducing the use of petroleum fuels, replacing petroleum fuels with renewable alternatives and maximizing the efficiency of how we use petroleum fuels. More...
Green Purchasing The City of Seattle purchasing environmental program is implemented through a series of policies, resolutions and ordinances, and Mayor Executive Order. More...
Benchmarking Links
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