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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: April 17, 2009 For More Information, Contact: Tiffany Speir (253) 272-2112 ext. 105 / tspeir@mbapierce.com On April 15, the Tacoma-Pierce County Built Green(r) program launched a new website that responds to the fast-growing residential green homebuilding market. The site can be viewed at www.builtgreenpierce.org The website includes information about green building, case studies of green homes and remodels, and valuable links to resources for professionals and consumers wanting to learn more. Viewers can also link directly to contact information and websites of Pierce County area Built Green(r) contractors from the site. "In the just-released Washington 2009 Green Building Consumer Study, 45% of respondents stated that it is extremely important to them that homes and products be produced to a green standard," stated Built Green(r) Washington President, Tiffany Speir. "Another 38% stated it was at least somewhat important to them. This makes it clear that homebuilders who are pushing the green envelope are going to succeed, even in this tough market." Since the program launched in 2003, there have been over 4,500 homes certified through the Tacoma-Pierce County Built Green(r) program. Built Green(r) is a voluntary, certified rating system for plats, new single and multifamily homes, or remodels that are constructed to standards above required development and building codes. Built Green(r) requires energy efficiency, materials efficiency (reduce, recycle, reuse), indoor air quality, advance site development techniques, and homeowner education to ensure homes operate at optimum levels over time. Members of the Built Green(r) program receive an orientation, attend ongoing education classes about green building, have access to local and nation green building material resources, and have dedicated themselves to promoting green building techniques. Built Green(r) is a designation that only program members may use. www.builtgreenpierce.org # # #