| Build A Better Kitsap, the “green” building program of the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County promotes environmentally friendly new home construction and remodeling. Homes qualifying under the program promise improved value, including lower energy bills, increased comfort and livability, reduced health risks, higher quality overall, higher resale value, and reduced worry about your children’s environmental future.
The Build A Better Kitsap program also provides “fish friendly” best management practices, as well as adding ratings for light commercial and land development projects. The Kitsap Salmon Forum rated promoting the program fifth highest in actions that Kitsap County can take to preserve and restore our salmon populations.
Build A Better Kitsap homes are rated based on the environmentally friendly features included in the home. Construction projects meeting program standards are awarded a 1, 2 or 3-star rating certificate. A 3-star rating is the highest level of achievement. Whether your project is a new home, remodel, land development or light commercial project, you can qualify it as a Build A Better Kitsap Project.
One of the exciting aspects of Build A Better Kitsap is that it proves environmentally friendly construction techniques don’t have to increase the cost of a new home or remodel, yet the owners will still reap the benefits of greater energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality and health, being a more environmentally responsible homeowner and will likely enhance the resale value of the home. There are nearly 100 environmentally techniques or products in eight categories that can be included in a Build A Better Kitsap home.
Build A Better Kitsap was launched in 1997 after a year and a half of development, and updated in for 1999. To date nearly 200 homes have been enrolled as Build A Better Kitsap projects, and several are included in the Home Builders Association’s annual Parade of Homes. The program has received several national awards, the Washington Dept. of Ecology’s “Most Innovative” award and was recognized with an Earth Day award by Kitsap County. As a result of long experience with environmentally friendly construction, the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County is widely recognized as one of the national leaders in “green” building.
In March of this year, four Build A Better Kitsap projects were toured as part of the National Association of Homebuilders 3rd annual Green Building Conference. Over 120 builders, industry professionals and association staff toured the four projects, and from the responses we’ve received it was the hit of the conference.
To find out how you can make your next new home, remodel or light commercial project a Build A Better Kitsap project, contact the Homebuilders Association at (360) 479-5778 or visit our Web site at www.KitsapHBA.com. |
