Living Building Pilot Update
Improving the accessibility and use of the Living Building Pilot Program while continuing to encourage development of very high performing green buildings.
What’s Happening Now?
In response to Resolution 31400, the Living Building Pilot program was amended in July 2014 to:
- Eliminate the existing Seattle Deep Green option (to allow the City and the Living Building and Deep Green Technical Advisory Group time to fully evaluate and develop a new pilot program for Deep Green)
- Revise the program’s minimum energy use standards to align with the new Seattle Energy Code
- Require an independent report from a third-party to verify program compliance
- Modify or remove some design review departures that are currently available
- Increase the maximum penalty for projects failing to demonstrate full compliance with the standards from 5% to 10% of construction costs
Throughout 2014 we worked with the appointed Technical Advisory Group to develop recommendations for further revisions to the pilot program.
On June 13, City Council voted to extend the program’s expiration date to June 30, 2017.
We are working with the Mayor on a proposal to update the program in 2016.
Project Benefits
Encourage the development of innovative green buildings that can:
- Reduce environmental impacts
- Test new technologies
- Serve as a model for development throughout the region and country
The End Result
Our update is intended to improve the accessibility and use of the Living Building Pilot Program and continue to encourage development of very high performing green buildings.