Jesus would LOVE Bullitt Foundation’s Amazing Energy Efficient Building Featured
- Written By Marlon Smith
Bullitt Center Under Construction
Construction has begun on what may be the greenest commercial building in the world. The Bullitt Foundation is creating The Bullitt Center, a six-story solar powered commercial building in Seattle. The center will be located at the intersection of Capitol Hill and the Central District in Seattle.
If you go to check out the construction, the first thing you are likely to notice is the roof. Designed to capture both solar energy and rain water, it is functional as well as remarkable looking
The roof isn’t the only sustainable feature of the Bullitt Center. The 50,000 square foot building also ensures that every area has sunlight. The higher ceilings that are needed to meet this goal are just another way to make a pleasant and healthy human environment. There is an outer glass-enclosed staircase to lure people into walking rather than using the elevator, thus increasing health.
This building will be the first city-based commercial building in the United States to meet the goals of the Living Building Challenge. (https://ilbi.org/lbc) The location supports the use of eco-friendly transportation such as walking, bicycling, or mass transit. Water will be supplied by a collection system on the roof and stored in a cistern under the building. The building will be supplied with energy via the specialized solar roof panels. Construction contains no hazardous materials such as PVC, cadmium, or lead. These items that are usually used in construction have been reengineered by experts, using greener alternatives. All windows will be operable, so occupants can breathe fresh air. The unique look of the building is meant to enhance the surrounding area and has plenty of native plants to keep the green feeling. Every occupant of the Bullitt Center will have access to sunlight and windows.
The site even has the health of Puget Sound in mind. There will be no pollution from runoffs from Bullitt Center. A green roof and permeable pavement will reduce the effects of the “grey water” water from sinks in the building.
When the building, which is now taking applications for leasing, opens, the first two floors will be dedicated to reaching out and educating the public. Hands-on instruction of the latest green technologies, research, systems, and classes will be offered to students as well as the community and lawmakers.
Denis Hayes, President of the Bullitt Foundation, is devoting the resources of the Bullitt towards “human ecology and wellbeing” through its efforts. This project strives to raise the bar for sustainable building. The Bullitt Foundation had to work closely with the city of Seattle because the structure did not meet the current building codes that are based upon the use of less environmentally friendly materials. The city officials had to look at the structure, its sustainability, and their codes, to provide approval for the green building. Other cities or companies that wish to follow the Bullitt Foundation example will have to work with government officials to ensure that they have proper permissions to build these incredibly unique, environmentally aware structures.