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Get With the Built Green™ Program

There is a lot happening with Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Built Green™ program. Built Green™ encourages the construction of homes that provide greater energy efficiency, healthier indoor air, reduce water usage, preserve natural resources and improve durability and reduce maintenance. Built Green™ was developed by builders for builders to keep it user friendly and affordable.

Sustainability is a growing concern in our community and the success of Built Green™ is determined by the level of program participation. Benefits of being a Built Green™ member go beyond issues of sustainability and provide participants with additional marketing of their business and well deserved recognition for their efforts.

OMB's Built Green™ recently wrapped up a radio and newspaper advertising campaign, generated a Field Guide for easy reference of green building practices, spotlighted Built Green™ homes and program members in the Tour of Homes directory, began efforts to collaborate with other associations to create a residential appraisal guide and lenders are beginning to offer loan packages and discounts for Built Green™ homes.

Tessa Smith, architectural designer and sustainability consultant for The Artisans Group, believes Built Green™ will bring a holistic view of sustainability to the industry. She is working on a pilot project to begin the certification process for remodels which will allow OMB's program to expand its certification process.

A common question is: can you build green without affecting affordability? The answer is yes. The cost of green building techniques vary widely, but most participating builders find they can produce a home eligible to be certified as Built Green™ for little additional cost. Costs for energy upgrades often add a small additional cost to the buyer's mortgage, while saving them even more on their monthly utility bills. Home buyers are willing to pay this and can readily understand the trade-off. Prepare for the opportunity and become a Built Green™ member today.

Click Here to download your Built Green™ application.