living in a green house

At YS Development, we build homes using advanced sustainable techniques, high-quality design, and low-maintenance materials that conserve energy, protect natural resources, and promote health. Our detailed design process incorporates energy modeling and passive solar strategies across 500 individual aspects of construction—delivering comfortable, healthy spaces that lower your utility bills.

What Do We Mean by "Green"?

Building green represents a standard of quality, endurance, and responsibility to the environment, our communities, and residents. YS Development homes meet or exceed leading standards:

  • Built Green®: A Pacific Northwest residential program focused on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource conservation, and water quality.

  • Passive House (PassivHaus): Today’s highest energy standard, cutting building energy consumption by up to 90%.

  • LEED for Homes: Verified high-performance sustainable home design.

We master these approaches to customize the right features for every home, frequently partnering with local municipalities on pilot programs to advance green building standards.

Specific “Green” Features

Energy Conservation

Certified ENERGY STAR HOME compliant, engineered to exceed code by >50% (and up to 90% for Passive House builds):

  • High-Efficiency Mechanical Systems: Quiet heating and cooling systems that manage humidity and lower operating energy.

  • Advanced Framing: Cuts lumber waste by up to 30%, boosts energy savings by up to 4%, and strengthens overall structure.

  • High-Performance Windows: Low-E coatings, thermally broken frames, and double/triple glazing block UV rays and insulate against outdoor temperatures.

  • ENERGY STAR Products: Equipped with LED lighting, whisper-green ventilation, LIEBHERR refrigeration, and MIELE dishwashers.

  • Above-Code Insulation: High-performance insulation and air sealing (50% better than code; 90% better for Passive House).

  • Low-Flow Plumbing & Solar Ready: Dual-flush toilets, water-saving fixtures, and pre-installed PV conduits for future solar panels.

Health & Indoor Air Quality

  • Non-Toxic Materials: Low/no-VOC paints, solvent-free finishes, and lead-free products improve indoor air.

  • Natural Ventilation & Daylight: Designed with southern orientation and layout-driven natural airflow to reduce cooling needs and maximize winter sunlight.

  • LEICHT German Cabinetry: Ultra-low emission cabinets certified by PEFC (100% post-consumer wood) and CARB-II (strict formaldehyde standards).

  • Air Filtering & Tight Envelope: Whole-home Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) paired with tight envelope sealing (1–2 ACH standard vs. 7 ACH code; 0.6 ACH Passive House) eliminate drafts, dust, and pollen.

  • Eco Insulation & Natural Carpeting: Insulated with Eco-Batts and natural spray foam; fitted with tack-installed natural wool carpets.

Environmental Responsibility

  • 80–85% Waste Diversion: Extensive deconstruction recycling, plus products like high-recycled-content tiles.

  • Durable Exteriors: Metal roofing (50-year warranty), aluminum and Cembonit siding panels, and FSC/reclaimed wood finishes.

  • Green Rooftop Systems: Planted rooftops manage stormwater runoff, reduce urban heat island effects, and add sound insulation.

  • Renewable Materials & Direct-Vent Gas: Uses FSC-certified wood, bamboo, cork, and direct-vent gas fireplaces (no wood-burning units).

  • Site Preservation: Low-impact development that minimizes disturbance and preserves site trees (such as a 50" landmark Atlas Spruce in Kirkland).