Living Buildings: The Bullitt Center

by Glen Hiemstra, The Futurist: http://www.futurist.com/2013/08/02/living-buildings-the-bullitt-center/

 

Last week we had the pleasure of visiting The Bullitt Center in Seattle. 

 

It’s a net-zero energy building, complete with compost toilet, rooftop solar panels, and a rainwater capture garden.

 

Each desk is monitored so they don’t go over a certain amount of energy consumption. 

The building houses several independent contractors and small business groups, making it a lovely collaborative workspace.

Most groups working in the building are interested in sustainability.

Sustainable Seattle is one such group, and they were kind enough to give us a tour.

Sustainable Seattle’s mission is to bring together individuals, organizations, and businesses in the greater Seattle area to build a sustainable future through innovation, education and on-the-ground projects.

One of the most ambitious aspects of the Bullitt Center will be achieving the goals of the Living Building Challenge (version 2.0), as described by the International Living Building Institute.

Before they can complete the Living Building Challenge, they must fulfill a few more requirements, such as filling the space with more occupants, and ensuring that most of the inhabitants are using sustainable or shared transportation methods.

Find out more about the Living Building Challenge and why they are important.