A Seattle apartment complex for people recovering from addictions wins kudos for providing eco-friendly, low-income housing.

POSITIVE CHANGE: Sustainable materials and building techniques in the fifty-unit Traugott Terrace in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood garnered it the distinction of being the nation’s first low-income housing project to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The project serves extremely low-income and homeless individuals.

PLACE WITH PURPOSE: The apartments, which include twelve units of ­transitional housing for the homeless, provide a supportive environment for those recovering from alcohol and drug addictions. Large windows, filtered air, and lots of natural light help residents feel healthy.

GOOD MATERIALS: While staying within strict budget constraints, the project used Forest Stewardship Council–certified wood; recycled-content carpet, siding, structural steel, and concrete; Energy Star–rated roof coating; low-flow plumbing fixtures; and an energy-saving, gearless traction elevator. The contractor recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste.

THEY SAID IT COULDN’T BE DONE: “It’s really incredible to hear Fortune 500 companies say they can’t afford green building, but low-income housing developers can,” says Lynne Barker, City of Seattle building ­specialist for the city of Seattle.

SUPER MODEL: Traugott Terrace’s architect, Environmental Works, has established a green construction library. Environmental Works: (206) 329-8300; CityOfSeattle.net/housing/SeaGreen.