In 2002, Built Green was one of the first green building certification programs in the country to offer a checklist and certification program for remodels. Today, it remains one of only a handful of programs nationwide to offer such a certification.
The original Remodel Checklist evolved from the previously developed Single-Family Checklist, and as such, it often didn't truly reflect the complexities of remodel projects. Now, after seven years of certifying remodels under the first incarnation of the remodel checklist, two years of review and pilot by the checklist update committee, and hundred of hours of time spent by green building experts and Built Green member remodelers, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBA) has unveiled a vastly improved new version of the Built Green Remodel Checklist.
In updating the certification to reflect changes in the green building market, which have been numerous since 2002, and reflect the depth and breadth of best practices in the green remodeling market, significant changes have been made to the certification.
One of the most noteworthy changes is the requirement that all remodel projects undergo an energy retrofit as a part of their certification. This requirement was included for two reasons, according to MBA officials. First, because in order to make positive change in our collective energy consumption and resultant emissions, we must find a way to meaningfully address the poor energy performance of existing housing stock, and second, to level the playing field for the listing of properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) form when homes are listed for sale. This means that small scope remodels that only included the updating of a kitchen or small addition are no longer eligible to receive full certification.
MBA representatives say this change is important not only for the commitment to lessen the environmental impact of existing housing stock, but also to achieve a modicum of consistency for people seeking to buy a green remodeled home that has been put up for sale, which will in turn strengthen the Built Green brand promise for all certified projects. Further, with a heightened focus both nationally and locally on energy retrofits, and funding available for incentives and rebates, Built Green remodelers will find it easier to put best practices into action.
The new remodel certification takes effect on Nov. 1, and will be supported by a fully updated handbook. The new handbook is designed as a two-way educational tool for homeowners to educate remodelers about their needs, and for remodelers to educate their clients on why green building practices are important.
All Built Green remodeler members will be sent the new handbook once they are printed, and others will be available for purchase. There will also be a letter sent to remodeler members outlining the sunset for already existing projects under the current checklist.
The new certification will be presented at the October Remodelers Council Dinner. A two-hour class on the requirements and handbook is scheduled for Oct. 20 at MBA University in Bellevue. Preregistration is required and may be done online at www.mbaks.com.
NWREporter November 2009