Energy Code

Five things you need to know about Seattle and Washington State’s new energy codes.

by Brandon Crane, Senior Associate The latest news is that the Seattle Energy Code rollout has been delayed until October 2, 2023. The Washington State 2021 Energy code is still due to take effect on July 1, and here are a few things we think you should know about each code. 1. The number one Read More

Sustainability

LEED 2009 Energy Performance Update Effective 4/8/16

USGBC Approves LEED 2009 Energy Update USGBC members have voted to approve the LEED 2009 Energy Performance Update. With approval of this update, LEED 2009 will require higher minimum energy performance standards for all projects registering for LEED 2009 after April 8, 2016. If you have a project that you are thinking of registering soon, be sure to do it before Read More

Sustainability

LEED v4 Updates: New Regional Priority Credits, Building Product and Disclosure Calculators, and LEED 2009 Phase-Out

We’ve been following the development and roll out of LEED v4 (see our previous blog post, here), and have a few updates. Regional Priority Credits USGBC has just updated their Regional Priority Credit (RPC) tool for LEED v4, here. The new RPC are based on specific location (address or latitude and longitude) to allow for Read More

Sustainability

Energy Assessments & Re-Commissioning in Existing Buildings

Are you looking for ways to reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and improve the comfort of occupants in your building? Consider an energy assessment or retro-commissioning. The US Department of Energy calls energy assessments and retro-commissioning “a powerful tool for uncovering operational and equipment improvements that will save energy, reduce energy costs, and lead Read More

Sustainability

LEED v4 is in effect now, and becomes mandatory in June 2015. Are you ready?

The newest version of LEED, LEED v4, went into effect in December 2013. Until June of 2015, you can choose to submit projects under LEED 2009 or LEED v4. LEED v4 offers significant changes in point allocations, and a few new points. Some projects may earn more points and a higher rating under the new Read More

Sustainability

New 2012 Washington State and Seattle Energy Code Now in Effect

The 2012 Washington Energy Code, based on the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, went into effect July 1, 2013. It is up to individual jurisdictions to decide when to start using the new code, and some jurisdictions (including the City of Renton) adopted it as of July 1. Other jurisdictions we have talked to plan Read More

All-electric energy codes go statewide

The 2021 Washington State and Seattle energy codes take effect soon. For the first time, all-electric systems are required statewide.

A Space to Learn Wine

Check out our work on the WSU Wine Science Center!

A Cafeteria for the Earth

The new cafeteria at Green Lake Elementary features state-of-the-art sustainable design.