Green Practices
Affordable housing funded by the City is a long-term community investment. The Office of Housing is dedicated to supporting sustainable building practices from construction to management. Our guiding principles include:
- Cost-effective to build, durable and practical to maintain
- Results in a high quality, healthy living environment
- Reduces utility costs to residents
- Enhances the residents' connection to nature
- Protects the environment by conserving resources, including energy, water and materials
- Advances the health of local and regional ecosystems
The Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard Criteria was developed to set a minimum level of sustainable performance for projects applying to the Washington State Housing Trust Fund. The Seattle Office of Housing has adopted these standards for City-funded affordable housing projects. The ESDS criteria safeguards health and safety, increases energy and water efficiency, promotes sustainable living, and preserves the environment.
- Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards > Download the full ESDS document.
- SeaGreen Affordable Housing Guide > A handy guide developed by OH prior to the ESDS.
- Office of Housing funding process
The Green Unit Turn initiative was developed in partnership with the Affordable Housing Management Association (AHMA) of Washington and the City of Seattle's Office of Housing to offer affordable housing owners and managers specific recommendations for cost-effective green operations and maintenance practices. A comprehensive guide broken into sections is available below for download. An introductory video is available to watch as well.
- Tab 0 - The Why & How-To Create Your Plan
Sample: Green O&M Plan - Tab 1 - Sample: Maintenance Policy & Procedures
- Tab 2 - Sample: Routine Maintenance Schedule & Checklist
- Tab 3 - Sample: Appliance Matrix
- Tab 5a - Cleaning Recipes
- Tab 5b - Sample: Cleaning Guide from Capitol Hill Housing
- Tab 5c - Sample: Cleaning Products & Supplies from Housing Resources Group
- Tab 11a - Landscape Routine Maintenance
- Tab 11b - Sample: Plant Inventory & Care
- Tab 16 - Green Unit Turn Poster
- Tab 17 - Sample: Vendor List