Seattle - In recognition of April as "Earth Month," the city of Seattle launched Implement, a new Web site designed for architects, designers, developers, project managers, and building owners and operators to help them make sustainable design decisions based on energy consumption and costs. See Implement at http://www.seattle.gov/implement

"This new Web site will go a long way in assisting design teams to implement the city's sustainable building policy. By demonstrating our commitment to environmental, economic and social stewardship in our facilities, we strive to set a community standard for sustainable building. We're proud to offer this useful Web-based tool to professionals in the building community," says Amanda Sturgeon, sustainable design specialist with the city of Seattle.

In five clicks, Implement ranks strategies for increasing the energy and water efficiency of various building types within a format named the Seattle Matrix. These recommendations are based on the Seattle regional climate. Each strategy has first cost and annual operating cost information. Currently the tool has three building types developed, Office, Fire Station and Tenant Improvement - more building types are planned. The tool also contains best practice information, case studies and links.

The city's Sustainable Building Policy was enacted in 2000. It uses the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system to evaluate city projects with a goal of attaining a Silver Level performance for city-funded projects of 5,000 square feet more of occupied space.