The Bullitt Center is billing itself the “Greenest Commercial Building in the World”. Located in Seattle, this extraordinary facility boasts net zero energy, net zero water, and net zero waste. The building itself is designed to improve the health of its occupants with high, 700 pound windows that open automatically under ideal conditions to provide fresh air, natural light, and a view of the outdoors.
The space is heated by concrete slabs warmed with geothermally heated water. The roof is comprised of solar panels and the building’s water supply will come from collected rainwater that gathers in a 56,000 gallon cistern. For now, the Bullitt Center’s potable water is provided by the city’s water supply until the Washington Health Department approves their purification system. Read about the Bullitt Center.
The facility, which opened on Earth Day, is participating in the Living Building Challenge™.
What is the Living Building Challenge™?
The Living Building Challenge™, which began in November of 2006, is a certification program of the International Living Future Institute. Facilities that hope to achieve Living Building certification must meet an aggressive sustainability standard in seven categories: site, water, energy, health, materials, equity, and beauty. These categories stipulate favored project outcomes, such as net zero energy, the encouragement of pedestrian activity, and a habitat exchange to protect ecosystems. Download the program standards.
There are, at this time, only four facilities that have achieved this certification:
- Bertschi Living Building Science Wing, Seattle, WA
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy Energy Laboratory, Waimea, HI
- Omega Center for Sustainable Living in Rhinebeck, NY
- Tyson Living Learning Center in Eureka, MO
There are so few certifications because the program is relatively new and requires a minimum of one year in operation with occupancy to confirm the project performs as expected. An estimated 100 plus projects are seeking certification through the Living Building Challenge™. Partial recognition is available for projects that meet certain specific, but not all, imperatives.
The Living Building Challenge™ and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
While the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) endorsed the Living Building Challenge™ in 2006, the International Living Future Institute is a separate entity and their programs are not considered a competitive standard for the LEED Green Building Rating System in any way.
BCH Mechanical employs numerous LEED APs to ensure the successful registration and certification of your green building projects. If would like to learn more about the role of a mechanical contractor in sustainable building or if you have specific questions about an upcoming project, feel free to contact anyone on our team.
BCH Mechanical has been a trusted name in Florida construction since 1976, delivering innovative design, high quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. BCH capabilities include HVAC, plumbing, medical gas, piping, sheet metal, LEED, Design/Build, 3D-CAD/BIM coordination, and HVAC service. Visit BCH on the web: www.bchmechanical.com.