NWMLS currently has five checkboxes for environmental certifications.

1) Built Green™
http://www.builtgreenwashington.org/
According to the Built Green® Washington website "Built Green programs encourage environmentally responsible building and construction by certifying homes that meet specific criteria. The programs are administered by local home builders associations, using a checklist-based system. Various levels of certification are possible, depending on the local program: typically, the higher levels require that the project be inspected and documented by a certified third-party verifier to ensure accuracy. Each local Built Green program sets its own criteria for certification. Some programs only certify new single-family homes; some certify communities, remodels, and multi-family projects as well."

2) ENERGY STAR®
http://www.northwestenergystar.com
Energy Star® is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy designed to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 50 different kinds of products as well as new homes. Products that have earned the Energy Star designation prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2006 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star®, saved about $14 billion on their energy bills while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 25 million vehicles.

3) LEED®
http://www.usgbc.org/LEED
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

4) Third Party Verification
Some standard green certifications can be given to new construction projects or homes with the builder/developer's signature only. Other, more demanding certifications (such as Built Green™ four or five star certification and LEED® certified projects) require an independent third party inspection. Third party verification inspectors must verify the building project meets the "green" benchmarks outlined in the program checklist.

5) Other- See Remarks
This field could include any other green home certifications. Green Globes or Health Home certifications are examples of programs in which builders may be participating.

Green Globes
http://www.greenglobes.com/
The Green Globes system is a revolutionary building environmental design and management tool. It delivers an online assessment protocol, rating system and guidance for green building design, operation and management. It is interactive, flexible and affordable, and provides market recognition of a building's environmental attributes through third-party verification.

American Lung Association (Health House)
http://www.healthhouse.org/
The Health House® program is designed to provide building professionals with the materials necessary to become a registered builder. Health Homes are built to the most stringent building standards in the U.S., which include site inspections during construction and performance testing upon completion.

What are the Benefits of Building Green?
• Lower Operating Costs
• Reduced Land Fill Waste
• Conserves Materials
• Healthier & Safer
• Less Greenhouse Gas Emissions
• Tax Rebates and Potential Zoning Allowances Increases (Check Local Jurisdiction)
• Empowering Homeowners to "Live Green"

Additional Green Resources for Real Estate Professionals
Green Tools of King County
http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/greenbuilding/

Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County
http://sustainablesnohomishcounty.org/

National Trust for Historic Preservation
http://www.preservationnation.org/

Sarah Suzanka: Sustainability in Home Design
http:www.notsobighouse.com

Kathleen O'Brien and Kathleen Smith: Green Home Decisions
http:www.greenhomeprimer.com