Sustainable Building

Seattle has established itself as a global center for Sustainable Building. This is an emerging industry focused on the design and construction of buildings that are water and energy efficient, minimize waste, maximize use of recycled materials, create healthy indoor environments for workers, employ resource-efficient materials, and incorporate environmentally sensitive site planning.

Seattle has more LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified professionals than any other city in the country. The City has determined that the growth of the sustainable building industry in Seattle is linked to the high concentration of local expertise, service, and materials providers, which represent a significant source for current and future jobs.

• Sustainable Building Study (pdf)
• Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment collaborates with City agencies, business groups, nonprofits, and others to improve Seattle's quality of life by protecting the city's distinctive urban environment.