In order to maximize the benefits of trees in Seattle, the City is updating citywide policies and regulations relating to trees and the urban forest. This work has resulted in updates of the Urban Forest Management Plan, Street Tree regulations, and Private Property Tree regulations. City staff will be hosting… [ Keep reading ]
The Office of Sustainability & Environment is in the process of updating Seattle’s community-wide Climate Action Plan (CAP). The goal of the plan is ambitious: to be carbon neutral (defined as zero net emissions) by 2050. The CAP will lay out a suite of integrated strategies in the building energy,… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle City Light’s Powerful Neighborhoods program now offers free efficient bulbs, showerheads, and faucet aerators to owners or managers of residential buildings with five or more units. In addition, installation of all the bulbs at your property is also provided at no cost. The Powerful Neighborhoods program provides: Free efficient… [ Keep reading ]
Summer is here! While this is good news to people, it can be bad news to your young tree. Seattle’s hot, dry summers are hard on them. To make sure your young trees thrive through the summer, now is the time to start watering your tree at least once per… [ Keep reading ]
Summer Streets is becoming a special tradition for Seattleites Something special happens during Summer Streets. A road—normally a space for vehicles—is transformed into a place. This unleashes creativity and energy within our neighborhoods. The street becomes a public plaza where people celebrate, dance, create art, play games, get to know… [ Keep reading ]
From auto dealers to hotels to restaurants and spas – businesses all around Seattle are taking actions to cut waste, save water, and reduce pollution. By taking five green actions businesses are “getting on the map.” Some actions they have taken include completing a green assessment of their business practices,… [ Keep reading ]
Ever wondered what it’s like to have your home assessed for its energy use and learn ways you might be able to save energy and money on your utility bills while having a more comfortable, healthy home? Then check out some great profiles of Community Power Works for Home customers –… [ Keep reading ]
Sustainable building projects continue to thrive in Seattle. Through 2011, the number of projects completed include: 179 LEED Certified Buildings in Seattle (30 Certified, 55 Silver, 86 Gold and 8 Platinum) 2,251 Built Green Residential projects (1,269 New Single Family, 96 Remodels and 881 Multi-Family) representing a total of 5,866… [ Keep reading ]
Philadelphia, PA recently joined the growing number of places (including Seattle) with benchmarking requirements. It requires energy benchmarking and disclosure for all commercial buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, set to take effect June 1, 2013. Read the IMT Press Release to learn more about Philadelphia’s new law. Seattle’s benchmarking… [ Keep reading ]
The Energy Benchmarking and Reporting program (Ordinance 12322) requires commercial and multifamily building owners in Seattle to conduct annual energy performance tracking through the U.S. EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, a free and secure online tool. We are hosting three upcoming trainings to learn more about tracking your building’s energy use… [ Keep reading ]
