SHWEC's programs in green building and sustainable development began in 1997 as a natural outgrowth of work in reduction, reuse and recycling of construction and demolition materials; environmentally preferable purchasing; and environmental practices that promote community economic development and health. Green building is a whole building integrated design and construction approach that optimizes the site and energy, water and materials efficiency and improves indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Green building advances the triple bottom line of community, environment and economy by enhancing human health and productivity, protecting or enhancing the natural environment and providing economic advantage through lower life cycle costs and economic development.

Municipalities are considering green building policies, programs and projects to offset increasing costs of energy, reduce operation, maintenance and infrastructure costs, improve the environment and attract business. Green building is a key facet of the City of Madison's initiative to become a green capital city and leader in energy efficiency and renewable energy. SHWEC's work, as chair of the green building subcommittee of the Mayor's Energy Task force, led to the development and adoption of green building policies. The City will lead by example in greening its own existing and future buildings and operations using LEED-NC and LEED-EB, and will enact policies and incentives to promote green building, energy efficiency and renewables in the private sector. To assist with policy formulation for Madison and other municipalities throughout Wisconsin, SHWEC developed a database -- 'Government Green Building Programs Inventory", detailing local government green building policies nationally.

The first new building project to be subject to the County's green building policy, is a 216,000 square foot, $43 million courthouse. SHWEC is providing green building technical assistance to the county to enable County personnel to replicate this approach on other projects. SHWEC worked with the County project manager to plan and implement the deconstruction process removing two buildings from the site. This resulted in a 99% diversion from the landfill through reuse and recycling of 6,900 tons of construction and demolition materials. The County salvaged 552 items in 37 material categories from kitchen equipment to oak molding with a replacement value of $204,325 that they reused in their buildings. SHWEC also assisted with LEED design and oversight, indoor environmental quality strategies, green roof adoption, and green purchasing of office furniture.