Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing
Administered by: Washington Department of Commerce
Quick Summary
If you live in an affordable housing project that received Washington State Housing Trust Fund money, your building must meet the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS), which requires features like energy-efficient appliances, improved insulation, renewable energy systems, and water conservation measures designed to lower your utility costs and improve indoor air quality. You don't need to apply separately—your housing provider ensures compliance as a condition of receiving state funding.
AI-generated summary • Updated 7/12/2026
Program Details
- Program ID
- 2696
- Last Updated
- 7/15/2022
Eligibility
Program Summary
The Washington State Department of Commerce created the Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS), a set of green building criteria that is required for any affordable housing project applying for state funds through the Washington State Housing Trust Fund (HTF) beginning in July 2008. The standard is based on a point system which awards points for a variety of sustainable building practices including: Site location and neighborhood planning; Water conservation; Energy efficiency and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies; and Environmentally-conscious construction practices, building materials and improved indoor-air quality. The standards were updated in 2018 to ESDS Version 4.0. A complete list of the newest standards can be found here.
Contact & Resources
Please verify current program details with the administering agency before making any financial decisions.