It has been incredibly inspiring to see the advancements in sustainable construction and living we have made in the industry over recent years, particularly in Seattle. Developers are not just looking for ways to build green, but they are also focused on marrying that with innovation, style, and increased comfort and convenience—proving that there is no reason why we shouldn’t all be prioritizing going green!

As a Dwell Development partner, I’ve been able to see some of the finest sustainable projects and techniques in the industry firsthand. Since 2005, they have continued to raise the bar higher each year. As one of the top green builders in the greater Seattle area, Dwell Development creates their energy-efficient homes with the future in mind, hoping to leave the planet better than they found it through the use of reclaimed materials, renewable energy, thorough insulation, and more.

In 2023, Dwell Development was recognized for their achievements with the 2023 Built Green Hammer Awards for Project of the Year and Remodel Project of the Year. Built Green is a certification program that provides participating buildings with a Built Green rating based on their ability to meet standards for air quality, materials, energy efficiency, and more. As the only residential developer in Washington state that exclusively builds 5-Star Built Green homes, Dwell Development prioritizes sustainable practices and design.

The remodel project that received a Built Green award was a lesson in transforming a historic home (built in 1919) into one that was outfitted with the type of green, modern features that today’s homeowners are searching for while preserving the home’s beautiful original features. They installed blown-in cellulose insulation and drought-tolerant turf, reused material from the original structures, and utilized a state-of-the-art HVAC system. In the end, they accomplished building a 5-Star Net Zero Energy Certified Built Green renovation, a 5-Star Net Zero Energy Certified Built DADU, and a 5-Star Built Green Net Zero Energy Ready Single-Family Residence with AADU.

Projects like the award-winning Lake House 2.0 are reminders that although building sustainably might seem like more effort, in the long run, the payoff far outweighs any shortcuts that lead to lower-quality homes that create more harmful emissions. Building with forethought, intention, and environmental factors in mind leads to not just a healthier planet, but healthier living conditions for the folks inhabiting the home. Dwell Development continues to innovate and refine sustainable practices, accepting challenges like transforming an over-hundred-year-old home through a green makeover, complete with the type of features and amenities that will serve its homeowners well in the decades to come. As with any good green builder, the goal is to create something that will last,

If you’re curious about Dwell Development's latest projects, sustainable development in general in Seattle, or how you can install eco-friendly features in your own home, please reach out to me today.