Seattle's fight against climate change just got a significant financial boost, as King County secures a nearly $50 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to a report by the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment, the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) is slated to cut emissions within buildings across King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish Counties. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell underscored the importance of collaborations like this, stating, "We cannot meet the moment of the climate crisis without collaboration — This critical grant is an example of local, regional, and federal agencies coming together to reduce buildings-related carbon pollution, generate high-paying green jobs for residents, and create resilient communities and infrastructure."
With these funds, Seattle is planning to decarbonize a range of building types, including city-owned structures, which will aid in providing cooling centers and enhance community sustainability, The subawards portion of the grant, will be focused on commercial and multifamily buildings, particularly those classified as affordable housing and those serving communities that are overburdened by pollution. In line with this, the City aims to assist building owners in meeting Seattle’s Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS), which requires large buildings to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 27% reduction by 2050.
In terms of employment, the initiative is expected to generate jobs in various industries, focusing on construction and electrification. The grant will play a pivotal role in creating opportunities across the counties involved in the project. This funding is part of a larger initiative by the EPA, which has divvied up $4.3 billion among states, Tribes, and various agencies to implement local solutions aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting environmental justice.
King County took the lead on the grant application, working with multiple local jurisdictions to pinpoint GHG reduction priority actions. Projects will include a mix of operations in existing buildings, new construction, along with the creation of pioneering programs such as reusing lumber when a building reaches the end of its life. Seattle's Office of Sustainability & Environment expresses gratitude to King County for its role, the EPA for its support, and Horizon House for hosting the announcement. For more information about Seattle's climate ambitions, readers can visit the Seattle Climate Action Plan.
