As one of the Northwest's leaders in sustainable building, every custom-quality home Bennett Homes constructs is Built Green certified; resulting in cleaner indoor air, reduced operating costs, and less environmental impact, both during construction and throughout the life of the home.

In 2004, Bennett Homes built the Puget Sound Energy's Idea Home in an effort to help educate the community on the importance of green building.  This project showcased some of the most forward thinking advances in eco-friendly construction techniques and was awarded a Gold Nugget Award for Sustainable Residential Project of the Year by the Pacific Coast Builder's Conference.

In 2005 Bennett Homes was recognized locally by the Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish Counties with the Built Green Hammer Award for helping re-define building practices in the Northwest. 

In 2007 Bennett Homes was honored with the prestigious Built Green Pioneer Award, from the Master Builder Association of King and Snohomish Counties, recognizing its significant contributions to the Built Green program since it's inception in 2001.  

Bennett Homes' future commitment to sustainability will be echoed not only in the homes it builds, but in its business practices, educational efforts and community involvement; positioning Bennett Homes as a leader in pioneering financial, social and environmental equity in the Northwest.

What is Green Building?
Green Building employs the following principles to produce a healthier more cost-effective home that has less impact on the environment.
 
Site Selection
The location, orientation, and landscaping of a building can affect local ecosystems, transportation, and energy use.  For example, placing homes within easy access of public transportation, shopping and recreational facilities can decrease the use of cars, thus reducing carbon emissions and encouraging bicycling and walking. 

Water Conservation
A high priority is placed on water conservation to protect natural features, prevent erosion, and  improve water quality.  A sustainable building should reduce, control, and recycle water for on-site use when feasible.  

Energy Efficiency
It is essential to find ways to reduce load, increase efficiency, and utilize renewable energy resources.  Advanced framing techniques, a high efficiency water heater, and efficient household appliances are all designed to reduce construction costs as well as increase energy savings.

Indoor Air Quality
Improving air quality inside a home can positively affect the health, comfort and performance of its occupants.  Alternate flooring, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints and a high quality ventilation system can create a healthier indoor environment.

Material Selection
Proper design and material selection can result in conserving limited resources.  Utilizing recycled content products, engineered wood, fiber cements siding and similar materials can reduce our impact on the environment.