MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY RAISES THE BAR
FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

Energy Star homes, like this one in Issaquah Highlands, are 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to Washington code.

ISSAQUAH | The most recent bold step at Issaquah Highlands is raising the bar for energy-efficiency for all new homes.

Starting in 2006, the new Built GreenTM 4-Star rating and Energy Star will become standard for builders starting new homes. The 4- Star rating and the Energy Star label signify that an independent, third-party verifier visits each home to ensure that it meets all requirements for certification. Homes are rated on everything from energy efficiency, construction techniques, air quality and water conservation initiatives to solar design features.

Issaquah Highlands is the first community in the region to require new homes to be built with the 4- Star rating and was key in having Energy Star added to the Built Green program.

Builders of Energy Star qualified homes can prove their energy efficiency. This recognized and trusted label assures residents that their homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to Washington code. Energy Star qualified homes feature high efficiency heating and cooling systems, well-sealed duct systems, increased insulation, and Energy Star appliances, lighting and windows.

“The Energy Star and Built Green labels give home buyers peace mind that their home is energy efficient, costs less to operate, and is gentler on the environment,” says Ruth Winbauer, marketing director for Port Blakely Communities.

Energy Star Homes Northwest is funded by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a non-profit corporation supported by the Bonneville Power Administration, electric utilities, public benefits administrators, state governments, public interest groups and energy efficiency industry representatives. These entities work together to make affordable, energy-efficient products and services available in the marketplace. For more information visit www.nwalliance.org.

“Our first guiding principle at Issaquah Highlands is ‘Sustainability and Stewardship’,” says Judd Kirk, president of Port Blakely Communities.“We are dedicated to creating a thriving, efficient, sustainable community that cares for and preserves the natural environment today and for generations to come.”

In the spring of 2005, Port Blakely Communities was honored with the Green Globe “Leadership in Sustainable Building” Award by King County for encouraging the wise use of resources in their building practices. Blakely Hall, the community center for Issaquah Highlands, earned an LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification form the United States Green Building Council, as well as two Green Globes from the Green Building Initiative. The company was lauded by the city of Issaquah in 2004, naming it a leader in building green and by the Pacific Coast Builders Conference with a prestigious Gold Nugget Award for its Puget Sound Energy Built Green Idea Home.

Getting there: From I-90, take Exit 18 (Highlands Drive and Sunset Way). Follow Highlands Drive up the hill and turn right on Northeast Federal Drive. Turn right again on Northeast Park Drive and follow signs to the community center.

Developer: Port Blakely Communities. Energy Star and Built Green 4-Star homebuilders at Issaquah Highlands include Atlin Investments, Bennett Homes, CamWest Development, Inc., DR Horton, GMP Homes, Greacen Construction, John F. Buchan Homes, Rainier Homes, Sierra Homes, Specialized Homes, Steve Burnstead Construction, The Dwelling Company and William Buchan Homes.

Information: www.issaquahhighlands.com