| The Kitsap County Home Builders Association (HBA) was among the first trade associations in the nation to launch a program to promote building green. “Our local Kitsap Home Builders is recognized as a national leader in green building and development,” says the association’s Executive Vice President Art Castle. So what is building green, in simple terms? According to Castle, it’s “…using environmentally friendly building materials, methods, and practices.” Green building provides homes that are cost effective; protect the health and well being of residents, and preserves resources and the environment.
Approximately 40 local builders and over 300 projects have enrolled in “Build a Better Kitsap” since the program was launched in 1997. And several times this number of projects have applied green building processes outside of the program. Build A Better Kitsap began with an idea: There’s a way to build safe, quality homes and preserve the environment at the same time, according to the association’s website. Green built homes, ideas, and checklists are featured online at http://www.kitsaphba.com.
Green building is taking on a life of its own Castle stated, “Consumers are beginning to ask for it. It is an additional tool that allows builders to set themselves apart and provide their customers with value added options.”
While awareness is increasing, a common misconception exists. People thing building green will be too expensive. But Castle advised otherwise, pointing out, “Many green building techniques reduce cost and maintenance.”
The National Association of Home Builders Research Center is utilizing “Build a Better Kitsap” as a model for their national “green” building program model for local associations. The Washington State Department of Ecology Awarded “Build A Better Kitsap” its 1997 “Most Innovative” Program for Waste Reduction and Recycling.
Rick Courson of Cedar Bay Homes is a custom home builder with expertise in green building. Cedar Bay Homes builds only four homes annually in an approach that stresses quality not quantity. Courson’s customers are often retiring baby boomers building their last home, their dream home. Health is an important concern for Cedar Bay Homes customers. According to Courson, “Green building involves design and construction approaches that consider the impact of one’s home on health and the ecology. The combined impact of all building materials is carefully considered.”
Courson describes green building as “doing it right,” beginning with how the site is developed. Designs are planned to minimize waste. Less lumber and more recycled materials are used without compromising quality. The homes are energy efficient with insulation rated R-38 in ceilings, R-24 in walls, and R-30 in floors. The homes are handicapped-friendly. Interior air quality is an important focus. Cedar Bay Homes critiques the chemical content and off gassing in all its construction materials. Ventilation systems are upgraded to include exhausting in bedrooms as well as the bathrooms and kitchen, in order to create a balanced air flow system. Paints and carpet are selected to minimize emissions, which detract from air quality. Particleboard cabinets are avoided because they have a formaldehyde base.
Cedar Bay Homes is an award-winning builder. The company received an award in 2000 from the HBA’s Parade of Homes for environmental leadership, and was recognized on Earth Day 2001 for leadership in environmental issues by the Kitsap County Commissioners.
The Build a Better Kitsap Program will soon become “Built Green by Kitsap Home Builders” and it rates builders with one, two or three stars based upon the quality of their products. Most Kitsap County builders are rated in the two star range, with many receiving one star. Cedar Bay Homes is rated three stars and the company offers more services than the ranking system is designed to provide credit for.
When asked about the perception that a home built green is expensive, Courson suggests, “The price premium is typically under $8,000, not including floor coverings. Cedar Bay Homes are priced beginning at $100 a sq. ft. and this is competitive in the Kitsap market.” Courson adds, “We wouldn’t be building if we weren’t competitive. Appraisers and banks won’t qualify or fund a project that doesn’t make sense. We add value, not just cost.”
Cedar Bay Home’s philosophy is that builders have more influence on the health and well being of fellow citizens than most any other occupation. Where do people spend the majority of their time? At home, where health begins.
Courson is giving seminars statewide for builders on preventing mold in their homes. He can be reached at (360) 698-8242 for details. | 
