Green Practices

Affordable housing funded by the City is a long-term community investment. The Office of Housing is dedicated to supporting sustainable building practices from construction to management. Our guiding principles include:

  • Cost-effective to build, durable and practical to maintain
  • Results in a high quality, healthy living environment
  • Reduces utility costs to residents
  • Enhances the residents' connection to nature
  • Protects the environment by conserving resources, including energy, water and materials
  • Advances the health of local and regional ecosystems

The Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard Criteria was developed to set a minimum level of sustainable performance for projects applying to the Washington State Housing Trust Fund. The Seattle Office of Housing has adopted these standards for City-funded affordable housing projects. The ESDS criteria safeguards health and safety, increases energy and water efficiency, promotes sustainable living, and preserves the environment.

The Green Unit Turn initiative was developed in partnership with the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Washington and the City of Seattle's Office of Housing to offer affordable housing owners and managers specific recommendations for cost-effective green operations and maintenance practices. A comprehensive guide broken into sections is available below for download. An introductory video is available to watch as well.

Housing

Maiko Winkler-Chin, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 5700, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94725, Seattle, WA , 98124-4725
Phone: (206) 684-0721
Fax: (206) 233-7117
Housing@seattle.gov

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We partner to create affordable housing by equitably investing to prevent displacement and increase opportunities for people to live in Seattle.