The Tiny Sweet Pea is the First Houseboat to be Certified by Build Green

One tiny <a href="http://inhabitat.com/set-sail-through-keralas-stunning-water-network-on-the-goodearth-eco-tour-houseboat/" target="_blank">houseboat</a> in Olympia, Washington is not only painted green, but it is also the first houseboat to be certified by <a href="http://www.builtgreen.net/process.html" target="_blank">Built Green</a>! The one bedroom houseboat was built to be an affordable alternative to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/chug-a-floating-community-grows-their-own-vegetables-in-the-heart-of-london/" target="_blank">urban living</a>, without developing more land. The 550 square foot boat was built by Mike Auderer of Olympia Construction.

The little houseboat is aptly called “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.260003707390581.64522.202539376470348&amp;type=3" target="_blank">Sweet Pea</a>,” which fits its green color and modest accommodations.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/schwimmhaus-boat-by-confused-direction/" target="_blank">houseboat may be small</a>, but it does not skimp on amenities, providing a comfortable living space for one or two people.

The modern kitchen is outfitted with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/a-sustainable-clam-shack-built-entirely-with-reclaimed-materials-is-coming-to-brooklyn/" target="_blank">Energy Star</a> appliances, including microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker. The mosaic tiled wall and counter top separate the kitchen area from the living room, which fits a flat screen television, couch, and coffee table. Stools line the counter to create a dining area.

One wall of the living room is made up of floor to ceiling windows and glass doors, filling the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/gowanus-canal-houseboat-floating-brooklyn-home-generates-its-own-energy-and-water/katzman-gowanus-houseboat-jerko4/" target="_blank">houseboat</a> with natural light during the day.

The double doors open onto a back yard like no other, a covered deck overlooking the calm waters of Sweet Pea’s port. Upstairs sleeps a cozy bedroom for two, complete with a second balcony deck.

The Sweet Pea <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/last-surviving-ellis-island-ferry-transformed-into-historic-houseboat/ferry9/" target="_blank">houseboat</a> received a level 3 rating from Built Green. The rating is based on construction for energy reduction, indoor health, reduced water use, and durability.