GHG63Formalize processes to integrate the Green Building Ordinance into capital program management

King County has had a Green Building policy in place since 2001, updated in 2005, 2008, 2013, and 2022, to establish green building standards to all its buildings, renovations and remodel projects. The County CIP supports identification of applicable green building opportunities and requirements from the very beginning of project initiation so that opportunities to improve outcomes for community, building occupants, and the natural environment are maximized and integrated into the design. Experience from King County’s CIPs shows this has not always been the case, too often GBO requirements are not considered until baseline or even later when opportunities become costly changes that impact schedule and budget. King County will take steps to consistently consider applicable GBO requirements earlier and over the lifecycle of a capital project.

King County will develop processes to monitor performance of capital projects, and more effectively and efficiently integrate green building into the CIP and budget processes. Starting in 2025, as part of the 26–27 budget submittal process, through continuous improvement over the next five years each agency with a capital program will demonstrate that:

1. Department/division leadership and Executive Climate Office (ECO) review the annual Green Building reporting.
2. Agency CIP programs utilize a Gate Review process that integrates green building and ESJ capital project requirements, with special attention to early planning and pre-design phases including CIP budget submittal, Gate 1 and Gate 2. Capital delivery boards must review GBO requirements and have a member with capacity and expertise review compliance with GBO.
3. Green building and ESJ requirements are accurately considered in scope and budget as part of project budget submittals. Project budget submittal information on GBO applicability and SCAP narratives is reviewed by agency Green Building representatives.
4. A quick reference guide has been developed to identify which GBO and scorecard elements are applicable to each project in a given capital program.
5. Capital Project Management Manuals exist and are updated to align with the GBO and 2025 SCAP.

An ECO and/or Green Building team staff will be a representative on the Capital Project Management Work Group (CPMWG) and the Climate Director will be a member of the CPMWG steering committee. The Green Building program will support capital project manager staff training, development of standard design specifications, and technical assistance with project cost estimation and project schedule.