King County Council votes to join Seattle 2030 District

January 24, 2011

Summary

Public-private collaborative for energy efficient buildings downtown

Story

With a focus on saving money, helping the economy, and promoting environmental sustainability, the Metropolitan King County Council voted unanimously today to join the Seattle 2030 District, a coalition of public and private entities in downtown Seattle who have developed goals to reduce environmental impacts of facility construction and operations.

“The Seattle 2030 District collaboration is an opportunity to take action today for a more economically and environmentally sustainable present and future,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, sponsor of the motion. “By promoting energy efficiency, we save money and create green jobs while preserving resources and the environment.”

The Seattle 2030 District now includes South Lake Union, Uptown, Belltown, Denny Triangle, the Downtown Retail Core, Capitol Hill, First Hill, Waterfront, West Edge, Pioneer Square, International District, and SoDo. It could expand to other neighborhoods in the future.

The goals for buildings in the 2030 District include:

1. Goals for Existing Buildings and Infrastructure Operations

Energy Use: A minimum 10 percent reduction below the national average by 2015 with incremental targets, reaching a 50 percent reduction by 2030.

Water Use: A minimum 10 percent reduction below the national average by 2015, with incremental targets, reaching a 50 percent reduction by 2030.

Carbon dioxide of auto and freight: A minimum 10 percent reduction below the current District average by 2015 with incremental targets, reaching a 50 percent reduction by 2030.

2. Goals for New Buildings, Major Renovations, and New Infrastructure:

Energy Use: An immediate 60 percent reduction below the national average, with incremental targets, reaching carbon neutral by 2030.

Water Use: An immediate 50 percent reduction below the current national average.

CO2e of auto and freight: An immediate 50 percent reduction below the current District average.

The goals are voluntary, and there are no dues associated with membership at this time. As a member of the Seattle 2030 District, the County will receive several benefits including:

• An investment-grade energy, water, and transportation building assessment,
• Training and ongoing support for the Seattle Climate Partnership Carbon Calculator,
• Training and ongoing support for Energy Star Portfolio Manager,
• One-stop shop for local, state, and federal rebates, incentives, and tax credits,
• Open source case studies that leverage shared knowledge and highlight industry best practices.