FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Inland Northwest Built Green®?
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How Does the Built Green® program work?
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What is the Built Green® Checklist?
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Who runs Built Green®?
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Where does Energy Star fit in?
What is Inland Northwest Built Green®?
Built Green is a voluntary program, which is managed by the INW Built Green Council, which is a program of the Spokane Homebuilders Association. It uses buyer demand, market education and builder training to encourage builders to build homes that have better:
- Energy Efficiency
- Indoor Air Quality
- Resource Use (including Waste Management)
- Overall Environmental Impact
How Does the Built Green® Program Work?
Inland Northwest Built Green uses a star rated system on one through five, five being the highest. Each star rating has a list of requirements and a list of action items and when combined equal the total number of points to earn that rating. The checklist consists of five sections, Section One: those actions items required by the Washington State Construction Codes, Northwest Energy Star and those defined by the Built Green® program. Section Two: Air and Water, Section Three: Energy Efficiency, Section Four: Indoor Air Quality, Section Five: Materials Efficiency.
One through three star homes are self certified by the Builder or Contractor. Four and Five Star homes are certified by a third party verifier certified in green building. Usually three visits are needed and a fee is charged. The homes are also certified by Energy Star verifiers who also charge a fee.
What is the Built Green® Checklist?
The checklist is a list of "green" criteria. It includes an energy efficiency requirement, and a menu of options in categories, addressing a range of "green" items from which the builder can select to meet the multi-star achievement levels.
Who runs Built Green®?
Inland Northwest Built Green® is a program of the Spokane Homebuilders Association. The program relies heavily on the participation of its members. The volunteer leadership which runs the Built Green® Board is elected annually. Members are encouraged to join committees and play an active role in the program's operations, goals and growth. Built Green receives staff support from the Spokane Homebuilders Association.
Where does Energy Star fit in?
Energy Staris an international symbol for energy efficiency that will help you quickly identify products that are the most energy efficient. It is also a program partner of Built Green® and you will see reference to Energy Star requirements and standards throughout the Built Green® checklist.
In Partnership with
