| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 69.41 |
| Liaison | Yolanda Cieters |
| Submission Date | Feb. 22, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Seattle University
IN-4: Innovation 4
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Phillip
Thompson Director CEJS |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
The University’s Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS) is housed within the Bullitt Center, billed as the world’s “greenest commercial building" and built to meet the Living Building Challenge.
CEJS moved to the Bullitt Center in 2013, providing staff and student interns the unique opportunity to work in the Center, as well as demonstrate the schools investment in supporting the future of green building. Students are able to interact and learn from the building through touring the facility and learning about its design and impacts integrated into some course curriculum. Hands-on opportunities are available for students to practice evaluating the performance of the water treatment system by verifying that the treated water complies with the Washington State Department of Health’s water quality requirements.
The relationship between the Bullitt Center and Seattle University has aided in the encouraged engagement of both institutions and their members towards sustainable building and education for a greener and better future.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
The six story building is covered in solar panels, so even in rainy Seattle, it produces more energy than it uses on an average day.
The 55,000 gallon storage tank in the basement of the building collects rain water to meet tenant water demands, and most of the building’s waste is processed on-site. This includes grey water from sinks and showers which are treated in a third-story wetland treatment system.
26 closed looped ground source heat wells, each 400 ft. deep in the earth that’s a constant 55 degrees. Water returns 10 degrees warmer through the magic of the heat pump. This provides radiant heat throughout the building.
The building some 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.
The location of the Bullitt Center supports a pedestrian, bicycle, and transitfriendly lifestyle.
Composting toilets on every floor use a couple of tablespoons of water mixed with biodegradable soap to form lubricating foam in the toilet bowl. Waste is transported down a pipe to one of 10 composters in the basement.
All wood that is used in the Bullitt Center is FSC certified.
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of five):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | No |
| Research | Yes |
| Campus Engagement | Yes |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | No |
| Buildings | Yes |
| Dining Services | No |
| Energy | No |
| Grounds | No |
| Purchasing | No |
| Transportation | No |
| Waste | No |
| Water | No |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | No |
| Diversity & Affordability | No |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | Yes |
| Investment | No |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.