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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DATE: April 11, 2009 For More Information, Contact: Tiffany Speir (253) 272-2112 ext. 105 / tspeir@mbapierce.com On April 10, Built Green(r) Washington, the statewide cooperative whose membership includes 11 local programs throughout the state, released the 2009 Green Building Consumer Survey. Conducted statewide, the survey asked consumers about their knowledge and attitudes about green building in general, green home certification programs, and green products for living. When asked "What does green building mean to you?", 63% of the survey participants responded that its meant being "environmentally friendly," 43% responded that it meant "energy efficiency," and 27% responded that it meant "built with recycled materials." "These responses are heartening," stated Built Green(r) Washington President Tiffany Speir. "It demonstrates that not only are Washingtonians aware of green building, but they have a good idea about how all-encompassing green homebuilding can be. It's not just energy efficiency; it's using (and re-using) high quality materials in an efficient way, it's improving indoor air quality for residents, and it's being kind to the building site." Nearly nine-in-ten (86%) respondents thought "green" certified homes were at least somewhat more environmentally friendly than a comparable house not built to a "green" standard. 49% stated that certified homes were much more environmentally friendly. Four-in-five (83%) respondents said it was at least somewhat important that homes and products be built to a green standard. 45% stated that it was extremely important to them. To date, there have been over 21,000 homes certified in Washington State through the local Built Green(r) programs. 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. Members of the Built Green(r) programs 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.builtgreenwashington.org # # #