2004 Association of Washington Cities Municipal Achievement Award
Issaquah Sustainable Building Program
City of Issaquah
Resource Conservation Office & Major Development Review Team
Public Works Engineering Department
Project Statement
In 2003, Issaquah gained distinction as the fastest growing City in Washington State. The
City also has a long standing, progressive tradition of restoring and protecting the local
environment. Seeking to grow with a smaller overall environmental footprint, in 2003 the
Mayor and City Council adopted the City’s Sustainable Building Program, combining unique
incentives with demonstration projects to reduce environmental impacts, through
technologies which improve design and construction
2004 Association of Washington Cities Municipal Achievement Award
Issaquah Sustainable Building Program
City of Issaquah
Resource Conservation Office & Major Development Review Team
Public Works Engineering Department
Project Summary
Building Green
Sustainable Building (‘green building’) reduces the environmental impact of buildings by
incorporating measures which improve energy efficiency, reduce water use, provide for healthier
indoor environments, minimize site impacts, and utilize recycled and resource efficient materials.
Key themes and features of the City of Issaquah’s Sustainable Building Program include:
1. Collaboration: Success was based upon leadership from the Mayor and City Council,
collaboration between the City’s Major Development Review Team (MDRT) and Resource
Conservation Office (RCO)1, and partnerships with the local development and building
community. The City’s MDRT and RCO worked together to design sustainable building
strategies and implement those efforts in the City’s two Urban Villages (Issaquah Highlands
and TALUS), and ultimately City-wide. The MDRT and RCO worked closely with the
Urban Village master developers and local builders to encourage builders to voluntarily
include green building measures into their projects.
2. Using Existing Tools: The City’s program used as a framework two existing green building
certification programs: the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) program (for non-residential buildings), and the Built Green
program developed by the Master Builders Association and King and Snohomish Counties
(for residential buildings). Developers were encouraged to certify their projects under these
programs to lend credibility and help market the green building features being incorporated
into their projects.
3. Providing Green Incentives: The incentives package (summary attached) combines
financial incentives, code flexibility and permit expediting, and free green building
consulting and recycling services to help encourage green building, for both residential and
commercial construction. Financial incentives were tied to specific measures, primarily
aimed at improving indoor water efficiency. The City also worked with Puget Sound
Energy to provide energy related incentives, and these were actively marketed to builders.
Additional storm water and recycling incentives were developed. Professional sustainable
design and technical assistance was provided at no charge to all builders and developers
with projects in the City. A preferential building permit review process was established and
offered for projects achieving high levels of sustainable building performance and
The City’s Major Development Review Team (MDRT) is responsible for plan review, permitting and inspections for
two large Urban Village developments within the City, Issaquah Highlands and Talus. The Resource Conservation
Office (RCO) develops and implements a range of environmental programs and services within the community to
preserve and protect local natural resources for a more sustainable community.
1
certification. Finally, a Green Builder of the Year award was developed as a tool to provide
recognition for innovation and achievement.
4. Demonstrating Green Building Techniques and Market: The City used Fire Station 73,
completed in 2003 in Issaquah Highlands, to demonstrate the viability of green building
technologies to the local commercial building market. For the residential sector, the City
played a major role in the development of the Built Green Idea Home. This home
demonstrated both green building technologies to the residential building community, as
well as showing a strong public interest for this type of building.
Benefiting the Community
Results of the program were substantial, affecting more than 8,000 builders, developers, contractors,
elected officials, design professionals, utility staff and residents. A tabulation of 2003 results
included the following:
 Green Building Technical Consultations were held with all twelve major production
homebuilders in Issaquah Highlands and Talus Urban Villages. Builders added numerous green
features, and the majority of builders who were consulted with have certified under the Built
Green program. Non-residential consultations were held with eight projects: the Issaquah
Highlands Park & Ride, Central Park, Rowley Office and Hotel buildings, LOMA continuing
care facility, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Mallard Bay Condominiums and the Sound Transit
Center. Of these eight project, the one that has so far been constructed, Central Park, included a
number of green features, including direct rainwater infiltration and flyash concrete. This park
is a City project.

An educational Home Energy Performance Video (attached) was also developed and distributed
to dozens of builders, city staff and trade professionals. The video is an educational tool
highlighting the benefits of blower door testing, sealing and other strategies to improve energy
efficiency and increase compliance with energy code requirements, which will reduce operating
costs for future residents.

The Urban Villages, Issaquah Highlands and Talus, were certified as a Built Green™
communities. An estimated 207 homes in Issaquah were Built Green™ certified in 2003.
Construction recycling drop-off sites were opened in two city locations (Talus and Issaquah
Highlands), high efficiency clothes washer rebates were provided to more than 25 households
and over 300 water conserving faucet aerators were distributed. A Construction Works
recycling incentive package was implemented in partnership with King County Solid Waste
Division. A Green Builder of the Year Award was developed and given to two homebuilders,
The Dwelling Company and DR Horton, building awareness of sustainable building in Issaquah.
Incentives were implemented for approximately $35,000 in 2003.

Fire Station 73 achieved LEED Silver Certification through the US Green Building Council2. It was
the third LEED certified project in Washington, the first at the Silver level and the first LEED
certified fire station in the country. The MDRT played a key role in developing specifications and
securing funding for the building’s LEED Silver certification. The $3.5 million, 11,000 square foot
structure contains a number of innovative design features, including:
2
LEED provides four levels of certification, representing correspondingly higher levels of environmental performance:
base, silver, gold and platinum. For more information see www.usgbc.org
o A 5,000 gallon rainwater collection system – reducing water utility demands and fire
department operating costs.
o A biodiesel (vegetable-based diesel) refueling station for the emergency generator and
service vehicles – reducing air emissions.
o Low toxicity materials were provided throughout the building - improving indoor air quality
for firefighters and community members visiting the facility.
o A number of recycled materials, including flyash concrete, exterior paint, acoustic ceiling
tile, and metal roofing, were utilized to reduce overall material use within the building –
supporting recycling programs and using resources efficiently.
o Highly drought tolerant landscaping requiring no irrigation – dramatically reducing seasonal
City potable water demand.
o Signage at the entrance to the building educates visitors about some of its unique features.
Importantly, the project provides a demonstration that sustainability in construction is
achievable. It serves as a model for the future: more than 475,000 square feet of retail and
3,750,000 square feet of commercial development, including a new Microsoft campus, is
anticipated starting in 2004. Also, King County is considering use of the rainwater catchment
system as a model for several projects. Private projects, including the Issaquah Highlands
community center, are now being LEED certified or otherwise built with increased
environmental performance. LEED certification of the fire station added approximately 3% to
the cost of the project (approximately $100,000, appropriated from the capital project funds).

The Built Green Idea Home was designed and built. This successful effort was driven by
collaboration between Port Blakely Communities, and the City. The basic concept of the Idea
Home was to demonstrate a variety of sustainable building strategies to the public, using a
$20,000 budget for green upgrades on what is otherwise a conventional house (see attached
newspaper article). Staff participated throughout the process - drafting the design concept,
participating on the steering committee and leading the education program. Over the course of
nine weekends, over 8,000 people toured the home and learned about sustainable building
fundamentals from trained docents. The overwhelming consumer interest demonstrated the
value of sustainable building measures to homebuilders and is helping to drive adoption of
sustainable building practices by Issaquah homebuilders so that future Issaquah residents will
have access to homes which are more energy and water efficient, healthier and reduce impacts
on utility and natural resources. The Idea Home was a public-private partnership, with primary
sponsors including Port Blakely Communities3, Puget Sound Energy, the King-Snohomish
County Master Builder Association, Bennett Homes, Countrywide Home Loans and the City of
Issaquah. The City support of the Idea Home was approximately $6,000.
The combination of strategies employed leveraged partnerships with local developers, builders,
King County, Puget Sound Energy and multiple additional parties to achieve reduced environmental
impacts, increased water and energy efficiency, healthier homes and reduced operating costs for
Issaquah residents, businesses and municipal facilities. The program is a successful demonstration
of the results achievable with a voluntary, collaborative process. Many of the program strategies
can be adapted to other growing communities, helping businesses and residents of Washington to
move closer to a common vision of healthy, vibrant and environmentally sustainable communities.
3
Port Blakely Communities is the master developer of Issaquah Highlands, a community of over 3,250 residential units,
2.95 million square feet of commercial office and 300,000 square feet of retail.
Attachments:
1. Photos: Fire Station 73, LEED Silver Certified green building by the US Green Building
Council
2. Green Building Incentives Package
3. Home Energy Performance Testing Video/DVD
4. Idea Home Seattle Times Insert & Press Clippings
Attachment 1
Issaquah Highlands Fire Station 73
USGBC LEED Silver Certified Green Building
Some sustainable building features: Low VOC paints, recycled content insulation, duct sealing
during construction to protect indoor air quality, innovative rainwater collection system design.
Attachment 2
Sustainable Building Incentives
City of Issaquah Resource Conservation Office
425/837-3400
Buildings have a significant impact on our economy, natural environment, health, comfort and
productivity. Sustainable buildings are more efficient and durable, use fewer natural resources,
reduce operating and utility costs, improve indoor air quality, enhance
occupant comfort and improve owner value.
The City of Issaquah places a high priority on protecting the natural
environment through sustainable development practices. Residential and
commercial builders are encouraged to use green building programs as a
guide for more sustainable projects:

Built Green (residential), is a certification program sponsored by the
King/Snohomish Master Builders Association. www.builtgreen.net

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
(commercial/office), is a certification program sponsored by the US
Green Building Council. www.usgbc.org
In the United
States, buildings
account for 36%
of total energy
use, 30% of
greenhouse gas
emissions, 30% of
raw materials use,
30% of waste
output and 12% of
all potable water
consumption.
Several local projects have been successfully built with these programs. Sustainable Building
Incentives are designed to support the adoption of sustainable development practices throughout the
City. All incentives require appropriate documentation.
Contact For Further Information:
Brad Liljequist, Consulting Planner & Sustainable Building Advisor
(425) 837-3448 or bradlil@ci.issaquah.wa.us
All Projects (Residential & Commercial)
Preferential Building Permit Review
Sustainable projects will be placed at the head of the building permit review line. To qualify,
projects must:




If commercial, achieve LEED base certification;
If single family residential, certify under Built Green with at least 300 points;
If multifamily residential, certify under Built Green with at least 420 points;
All residential projects must certify as Energy Star compliant (or in stacked flats, its
equivalent); and utilize a minimum of five other incentives within this package.
Green Builder of the Year Award
An annual award recognizing residential or commercial builders who have demonstrated an
outstanding commitment to sustainable development. Recognition by the Mayor and City Council,
local media, website and other promotional outlets. An excellent opportunity to be recognized for
your businesses’ efforts.
Residential Incentives (Single & Multi-Family)
Sustainable Development Consultations
 Professional consultations for developers with projects interested in certifying through the
Built Green program. Provided at no charge for project applicants. Consultations typically
involve a brief workshop with the project architect and developer, and covers incentives,
cost-effective energy and water technologies and design considerations, materials,
construction recycling and indoor environmental quality measures.
Dual Flush Toilets (Single and Multi-family)
 $25 rebate per installed fixture. Applies to all new construction.
 Saves a typical household more than 2,700 gallons of water and up to $20 per year in utility
costs.
Residential Bathroom Faucet Aerator Rebate (Single and Multi-family)
 Free 1.0 gpm bathroom faucet aerators provided by City (Neoperl PCA Chrome or similar
quality), or
 $5 rebate per installed 1.0 gpm bathroom faucet aerator (contractor’s specification).
 Saves a typical household more than 2,900 gallons of water and up to $20 per year in utility
costs.
High Efficiency Clothes Washers (Single Family)
 $75 rebate per installed fixture. Product must meet Energy Star guidelines and be on
qualified machines list (contact the City for an approved list). From PSE & City.
 Use 50% less water and 40% less energy to save a typical household $50 – 90 per year in
water, sewer and electricity charges.
Laundrywise High Efficiency Clothes Washers (Multi-family)
 $50 rebate per installed high-efficiency common area clothes washer rebate.
 Use 50% less water and 40% less energy to save more than $120 per year in water, sewer
and electricity charges.
Green Building Post Purchase Survey
 Free new homebuyer survey service to assess knowledge and awareness of green building
features to provide builder feedback and inform marketing. Surveys developed and
administered with participating homebuilders at their request.
PSE Incentives
 Puget Sound Energy has a number of incentives available, such as rebates for high
efficiency clothes washers, dishwashers, gas furnaces, gas hot water heaters, and fluorescent
light fixtures. See the latest at http://www.pse.com/yourhome/rebates/rebates.html.
Residential Incentives, Continued
Residential & Small Business Photovoltaic Rebate
 Provides a payment of $0.10/kwh for electricity created by a commercial or residential solar
photovoltaic (PV) system. No minimum PV size. Properties install a net meter (can run
‘backward’ to credit electrical bills when surplus power is produced by the PV system).
Sponsored by Northwest Renewable Energy Co-op, contact: Doug Boleyn (Cascade Solar
Consulting) at (503) 655-1617 or cascadesolar@attbi.com
Construction Waste Recycling
 A residential construction recycling drop-off site is currently in development, call for current
information, (425) 837-3448. Technical assistance to identify costs, recycling options and
construction-site recycling is available at no charge. Construction recycling promotional
signs are available for projects with construction recycling programs.
Green Streets
 Green streets utilize wide planter strips as biofilters. An example can be seen at
http://www.cityofseattle.net/util/urbancreeks/SEAstreets/default.htm. Green streets could be
used in areas where access to established water quality facilities is difficult or for alternative
water quality treatment. Water quantity and quality levels will be required to be maintained
at regulated levels.
Pervious Pavers
 Pervious pavers are concrete pavers with clipped corners or open patterns, which allow
water to infiltrate. Pervious pavers may be used in limited locations where connection to the
stormwater system is difficult and/or avoidance of cost of stormwater piping is desired.
Water quantity and quality levels will be required to be maintained at regulated levels.
Commercial Incentives
Sustainable Development Consultations
 Professional consultations for developers with projects interested in certifying through the
LEED program. Provided at no charge for project applicants. Consultations typically
involve a brief workshop with the project architect and developer and cover incentives, costeffective energy and water technologies and design considerations, materials, construction
recycling and indoor environmental quality measures.
No-water Urinals
 $150 rebate per installed fixture. Dual plumbed fixtures not permitted. Retrofits may
qualify for $60 – 120 rebate depending upon existing fixture stock.
Dual Flush Toilets
 $25 rebate per fixture. Fixtures in high-use commercial settings may be eligible for a larger
rebate depending upon occupancy type and level of use.
Rainwater Collection
 Free technical assistance for commercial rainwater collection system design and
construction. For additional information contact the Resource Conservation Office,
425/837-3412 or rco@ci.issaquah.wa.us
Other Commercial Water Uses
 Other commercial improvements (ie: cooling towers, ice machines, commercial
dishwashers, process water uses, etc). Financial rebates of up to 50% of costs for eligible
commercial retrofits and new construction projects which demonstrate a reduction in city
potable water use. Reviewed on a case by case basis
PSE Incentives
 PSE has fluorescent light and rebates for other commercial improvements (ie: occupancy
sensors, variable speed drives, some lighting projects, etc.). Contact PSE at
www.pse.com/yourbusiness/grants/cicp.html or (800) 562-1482 or
energyefficiency@pse.com .
Pervious Pavers
 Pervious pavers are concrete pavers with clipped corners or open patterns, which allow
water to infiltrate. Pervious pavers may be used in limited locations where connection to the
stormwater system is difficult and/or avoidance of cost of stormwater piping is desired.
Water quantity and quality levels will be required to be maintained at regulated levels.
Commercial Incentives, Continued
Green Roofs
 This technology provides water quality treatment, reduces runoff, provides rooftop
insulation and reduces aesthetic impacts and urban heat island effects.
 On-ground stormwater facilities may be reduced in size by accounting for the
detention and water quality treatment provided by a green roof.
 Water quantity and quality levels will be required to be maintained at levels
established by Code or Urban Village standards, as applicable.
 Roof screening requirements established through site development permits may be
reduced (evaluated on a case by case basis).
 Projects which utilize green roofs will be conditioned to provide adequate
stormwater systems in the future in the event the green roof is removed.
Better Bricks No-cost Energy Efficiency Consultation
 Free energy efficiency consulting service with professionals design staff. Consultations
provided without any additional requirements. Typically, includes a free half day energy
charette to identify best strategies. Contact Better Bricks: Debbie Allen, River City
Resource Group, 503/231-4888 or dallen@hevanet.com. See also www.betterbricks.org
Photovoltaic Installation Grant
 One-time grants of up to 50% of the installed costs. Applies to community projects (ie:
schools, libraries, etc.) for installation of solar power. Sponsored by the Bonneville
Environmental Foundation. City provides grant solicitation services. Additional
information at: www.bonenvfdn.org/grants
Residential & Small Business Photovoltaic Rebate
 Provides a payment of $0.10/kwh for electricity created by a commercial or residential solar
photovoltaic (PV) system. No minimum PV size. Properties install a net meter (can run
‘backward’ to credit electrical bills when surplus power is produced by the PV system).
Sponsored by Northwest Renewable Energy Co-op, contact: Doug Boleyn (Cascade Solar
Consulting) at (503) 655-1617 or cascadesolar@attbi.com