Description
The 2020 SCAP established that by 2030, all King County new construction and whole building renovation projects achieve certifications that demonstrate a net zero GHG emissions footprint. King County will integrate this commitment into the GBO and clarify how projects must demonstrate a net zero GHG emissions footprint.
King County code (18.17.050) requires new construction of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-eligible buildings to achieve LEED platinum or Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification, and major remodels or renovations to achieve LEED gold or LBC certification.
King County capital projects first submitted and adopted in the 26–27 budget and onward, both new projects would be required to achieve U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum plus Zero Energy or Zero Carbon certifications; or International Living Future Institute (ILFI) LBC – Zero Energy, Energy Petal, or Zero Carbon. There would be no change to the code requirements for renovations.
These requirements must be included in initial project planning, budget submittal, and project charter. If a capital project or program is unable to achieve the targeted certification level the project must submit a waiver to ECO and/or the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) at 30 percent, 60 percent or 90 percent design, as applicable. It is expected that if a project is unable to achieve the target level (e.g. Platinum), it will achieve the next rating level down (e.g. Gold). Projects will be required to document how the requirements were evaluated as part of alternatives analysis, and what operational, schedule, or budget requirements prevent compliance.