Everett, WA Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)

For new city building projects exceeding five thousand square feet, LEED silver certification shall be required unless the city council determines it is not practicable or appropriate considering such things as the type of structure (certain utility structures, etc.), available resources, construction costs and life-cycle costs. Projects qualifying for LEED certification shall be registered through the U.S. Green Building Council;

2. For new projects under five thousand square feet and for remodels and renovations where the scope of the project or type of structure limits the ability to achieve LEED silver certification, city departments shall incorporate cost-effective green building practices based on estimated life-cycle cost analysis and the limits of available funding.

B. The city shall implement green building practices to provide compliance with the requirements of this chapter, including but not limited to the following:

1. In evaluating the city’s overall sustainable building and infrastructure policy, the city’s LEED projects shall be included;

2. Departments affected by these policies are encouraged to budget for and attend sustainable building training and/or obtain LEED accreditation; and

3. The city shall consider, in consultant selection, LEED accreditation, experience and abilities related to sustainable building design and low impact development design, engineering and construction to provide compliance with the intent of this chapter.