Bullitt Center: Living Future
Overview
- Location: Seattle, WA, USA
- Certification: Living Certified (LBC 2.1)
- Function: Commercial Office Building
- Mission: Demonstrate highest sustainability standards, set a benchmark for eco-friendly construction.
Key Features
- Energy: 244 kW rooftop solar array, net-positive energy environment.
- Water: Collects rainwater, treats it to drinking standards, and supplies all building needs.
- Structure: Type-IV heavy timber, FSC-certified materials.
- Sustainability: Complies with the Materials Red List to avoid toxic chemicals.
Petals of the Living Building Challenge
Place Petal
- Limits to Growth Imperative: Secured approval for deconstruction and material reuse, integrating recycling.
- Habitat Exchange Imperative: Supported conservation efforts in Jefferson County, WA.
- Human-Powered Living Imperative: Includes bike garages and showers to encourage biking.
Water Petal
- Net Positive Water:
- Total annual water use: 50,730 gallons.
- Greywater treatment onsite, systems designed to complement municipal infrastructure.
- First site with urban composting toilet system in Washington.
Energy Petal
- Net Positive Energy:
- Uses various design tools for energy efficiency.
- Exceeded energy production during performance period.
- Influenced Seattle's Living Building Pilot Program.
Health & Happiness Petal
- Encourages exercise through 'irresistible stair'.
- Promotes natural lighting and ventilation.
- Uses low/zero VOC finishes for healthy air quality.
Materials Petal
- Red List Imperative: Avoided harmful chemicals, using sustainable alternatives like HDPE pipes and lead-free valves.
- Embodied Carbon Footprint: Offset by 3,000 metric tons CO2e.
- Responsible Industry: Utilized FSC certified and salvaged wood.
Equity Petal
- Advances green building industry through education and policy influence.
- Hosted numerous educational tours and outreach programs.
Beauty Petal
- Public tours available, enhancing community engagement and education.
Creative Financing
- Leveraged local, state, and federal incentives for water and energy strategies.
- Utilized Federal 1603 program for solar and heat systems.
Project Team
- Project Manager: PAE Consulting Engineers
- Architect: Miller Hull Partnership
- Contractors: Foushee & Schuchart
- Water & Plumbing: 2020 Engineering
- Lighting Design: Luma Lighting Design
- Landscape: Berger Partnership
- Structural Engineering: DCI Engineers
- Solar Installation: NW Wind & Solar
- Photovoltaic Design: Solar Design Associates
- Building Enclosure: RDH
- Development Partner: Point 32
Tours
- Conducted by UW Center for Integrated Design.
- Available on specific days, including special events like Earth Day.
Conclusion
The Bullitt Center sets a new standard for sustainable commercial buildings, showcasing innovative solutions in energy and water use, materials, and overall design to promote a sustainable future.