What is the state of the county?High-level measure that tracks the state of the environment or the condition of the community.

Resource consumption

How is King County doing?

Every society uses the earth's natural resources. Fossil fuels, water, and other raw materials are just a few of the resources we rely on every day. We must understand and monitor our use of these resources because the earth does not provide an endless supply.

Between 1990 and 2007, total energy consumption in King County has risen 10 percent, though it has declined from its high point in 2000. Per capita energy consumption in residential and commercial energy has declined seven percent since 1996.

Our ability to reuse or recycle the wastes we generate reduces demand for new resources. Decreasing waste generation - through conservation or recycling - also reduces the waste we send to landfills. In 2008, single-family households in King County recycled 55 percent of their solid waste, and solid waste disposal for single-family households dropped from 27 pounds per week to 26 pounds per week. Targets as established in the King County Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan for both solid waste recycling and disposal were met in 2008.

Green building in the commercial sector increased in 2008, as shown by the number of completed projects that have been certified as LEED™ buildings by the US Green Building Council. LEED™ stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is a nationally recognized green building rating system.

In 2008, residential green building levels fell. Residential green building in King County is measured by the number of BuiltGreen™ homes completed in the county.

What else influences these indicators?

Automotive fuel makes up the greatest proportion of total King County energy use. Land use patterns and gasoline prices are two of the factors that affect automotive fuel consumption. Reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing fuel efficiency in vehicles are key to decreasing energy consumption in King County.

Because King County's electricity infrastructure includes six hydroelectric plants, residential and commercial sources emit fewer greenhouse gases than does the transportation sector. Energy conservation strategies and the county's leadership in residential and commercial green building have contributed to the decline in residential and commercial energy use.

Economic growth and population are two primary influences on the waste stream. As the county's population and economy grow, so does the amount of goods consumed and disposed of. Solid waste disposal levels have historically increased in prosperous times. The recent downturn in the economy may have contributed to reductions in solid waste disposal levels as well as in the reduced numbers of completed BuiltGreen™ homes.

Market demand for green buildings is rising in this region which contributes to the increased number of LEED™ certified buildings in King County. Increased social awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling as well as increased regulatory requirements for recycling are factors that bear on household recycling rates.

What role does King County government play?

Affecting the building, recycling, and disposal behaviors of King County residents requires a range of strategies, from collaborations with cities and non-profit partners to direct outreach to developers and residents. King County delivers recycling and resource conservation education and outreach programs to schools.

King County encourages sustainable development and green building practices to help balance growth with protection of our region's valuable natural resources. King County also offers a variety of incentives for builders and developers to pursue BuiltGreen™ or LEED™ certification.