A team of partners is developing the greenest commercial building in the world, with market-rate office space that will demonstrate what’s possible and accelerate demand for sustainable design and products.
The Bullitt Center, the first commercial office building to pursue the Living Building Challenge, is setting new precedents for environmental performance in urban in-fill development. The project is the outcome of years of work by a team that includes the Bullitt Foundation, Point32, Miller Hull Partnership and others. Completed in fall 2012, the building’s rooftop solar array will generate as much electricity as occupants use in a year, collect and treat its wastewater onsite. It will also treat rainwater for showers and irrigation, and once approved by regulators, for drinking too.
Thinking Locally. The Living Building Challenge emphasizes the importance oflow-impact building materials. For the Bullitt Center this means working with regional companies, a heavy-timber frame from Forest Stewardship Council certified Northwest forests and a locally manufactured solar array. The decision to source locally reduced carbon emissions and directed investment into the regional economy.
Leading by Example. Creating a replicable model is one of the primary objectives of the Bullitt Center. The building is located in a vibrant urban neighborhood, close to downtown, with a Walk Score of 98 (out of 100). By working in close partnership with the City of Seattle, the Bullitt Center will lower barriers and serve as a model of urban sustainability for other projects to come.
The Carbon Math. The carbon footprintof the Bullitt Center is remarkably small because the integrated design and engineering team maximized building efficiency. The Bullitt Center will have an Energy Use Intensity of 16 (typical existing Seattle office building EUI = 70) and will use only 27% as much energy as a typical project built to Seattle’s energy code. With a 14,000 square-foot solar array on the roof, the building will be “net-zero” energy.
For more information about the Bullitt Center, visit www.bullittcenter.org.
Key players:
The Bullitt Foundation - represented by Denis Hayes
With a mission of safeguarding the natural environment through promotion of responsible human activities and sustainable communities in the Pacific Northwest, the Bullitt Foundation invests in innovative projects and programs. Applying finite resources over a large impact area, the Foundation focuses on high risk, high potential payoff opportunities to exert unusual leverage.
International Living Future Institute - represented by Amanda Sturgeon
The mission of the ILFI is to encourage the creation of Living Buildings, Sites and Communities in countries around the world while inspiring, educating and motivating a global audience about the need for fundamental and transformative change.
Goldfinch Brothers, Inc. - represented by Greg Goldfinch
Goldfinch Bros., Inc. is a full-service glass and glazing company based in Everettt, with over 100 years of experience serving Puget Sound communities for all residential and commercial needs.
Point32 - represented by Chris Faul
Point32 is a Seattle real estate company creating projects of lasting quality and value. Point32 is the development partner for the Bullitt Center, overseeing all aspects of the project.
City of Seattle, Department of Planning & Development (DPD) - represented by Diane Sugimura
DPD's mission is to manage growth and development within Seattle in a way that enhances quality of life. They promote a safe and sustainable environment through comprehensive planning, good design, and compliance with development regulations and community standards.
Schuchart Corporation - represented by Casey Schuchart
Schuchart Corporation, the general contractor for the Bullitt Center, is a locally founded business dedicated to sustainability in their internal and on-site operations.
