Sellen Construction Co. Seattle headquarters green design is already proving its worth in the form of reduced energy and water costs. Sellen exceeded the state's energy code by 15 percent and expects to save several thousand dollars a year in electricity costs alone through low power density lighting. The building also uses waterless urinals. Without impacting our budget, we were able to apply LEED standards. Convincing developers to adopt a green building strategy will mean having to prove that the approach will have a long-term positive effect on the bottom line, Ervin said.
Governments can help by offering incentives such as expedited permit approval and tax credits.
That tells us that the green building market has grown out of a niche market and into the mainstream market. I think it's going to become the norm in the country in not too many years.