Photo by Benjamin Benschneider/ZGF Architects Federal Center South in Seattle’s Sodo neighborhood used 40 percent less energy in its first year of operation than similar-sized office buildings. It was awarded a LEED platinum rating in 2014.

Energy tools that could change the game
Two Northwest startups have developed novel technologies to track energy use, promote building upgrades and encourage savings.

By THULASI NARAYAN
Paladino and Co.

Six reasons developers should build net-zero apartments
Super-efficient apartments aren’t part of Seattle’s building boom, but more attention to cost could make a difference.

By TIM WEYAND
NK Architects

How do you measure the value of a green building?
Focus on what you can quantify, such as higher rent and lower cost to operate.

By MYER HARRELL
Weber Thompson

Why green building has hit the wall, and what to do about it

Owners and developers would prefer a certification process that’s simpler, cheaper and more useful.

By JERRY YUDELSON
Green Building Initiative

How to convince a realist it makes sense to go green

Some owners see green projects as too costly. But a bit of extra spending now can yield big savings in the long run.

By DJ DEAN
KPG

Goal of Capitol Hill EcoDistrict is to make neighborhood green
It supports sustainable projects that can work on a neighborhood scale, including the Northwest’s first shared parking district.

By MICHAEL MARIANO
Schemata Workshop

How to treat stormwater in urban areas — like Totem Lake

Retrofit projects will treat runoff in places such as Kirkland, Lacey and Olympia.

By MELISSA ENGLISH and DOREEN GAVIN
AHBL

Federal Center South team focused on results, not ratings

The Corps of Engineering headquarters is one of the GSA’s most energy-efficient buildings, but a top LEED rating wasn’t a goal.

By STEVE NICHOLAS
Heery International

Seattle is clamping down on waste from construction and demolition
New rules mean most materials have to be recycled instead of sent to the landfill.

By DAN MCAULIFFE
United Recycling & Container

Making the most of your energy model

An effective model can help building owners boost their energy efficiency and save money.

By MICHELLE ROSENBERGER and NANCY HENDERSON
ArchEcology

How to make a better business case for going green

Poor communication between business leaders and real estate investors could be holding back sustainable development.

By STUART HAND
MulvannyG2 Architecture