One step up from LEED certification: The Living Building

Is anyone out there familiar with Seattle?













Well... Seattle is the 22nd largest city in the United States and therefore is an extremely populated and urban place to live. Through the Sustainable Marketing class at Western, I have learned what it means for a building to be L.E.E.D. Certified.

According to the rating systems for a building to be L.E.E.D. certified, these are the main credit categories:

• Sustainable sites credits encourage strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources.
• Water efficiency credits promote smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption.
• Energy & atmosphere credits promote better building energy performance through innovative strategies.
• Materials & resources credits encourage using sustainable building materials and reducing waste.
• Indoor environmental quality credits promote better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views.

L.E.E.D. certification of buildings has led to significant decreases in energy conservation and water consumption, it has improved indoor air quality, allowed individuals and businesses to save money and make better building material choices, AND has driven innovation. In a nut shell, it is an awesome move in the right direction. 

Rob Pena has taken this certification one step farther and has created what is being referred to as "The Greenest Building on Earth." He has created a building in Seattle, WA (The Bullitt Center) that has the ambitious aspect to achieve the goals of the "Living Building Challenge." 

https://vimeo.com/57077446

Living Building is another certification level that buildings can achieve. It requires that a structure be self-sufficient for energy and water for at least 12 continuous months and that it meets rigorous standards for green materials and the quality of its indoor environment. It requires a project or building to meet 20 specific imperatives within 7 performance areas.

For the Bullitt Center, meeting the imperatives will include the following:

• Site: The location will support a pedestrian-, bicycle-, and transit-friendly lifestyle.

• Water: Rainwater will be collected on the roof, stored in an underground cistern and used throughout the building.

• Energy: A solar array will generate as much electricity as the building uses.

• Health: The building will promote health for its occupants, with inviting stairways, operable windows and features to promote walking and resource sharing.

• Materials: The building will not contain any “Red List” hazardous materials, including PVC, cadmium, lead, mercury and hormone-mimicking substances, all of which are commonly found in building components.

• Equity: Unlike many office buildings, large operable windows will offer fresh air and daylight to all the people who work in the Bullitt Center. The goals of Seattle’s Community High Road Agreement will guide selection of the construction team.

• Beauty: Stunning architecture, an innovative photovoltaic array, a green roof and other native plantings, large structural timbers and a revitalized neighboring pocket park will help beautify the surrounding streetscape.