The Bullitt Center in Seattle, which some say is the world's "most efficient" office building is not only influencing how other structures are built, it is contributing to revisions of codes and public policy.
The building’s design was made possible by Seattle’s Deep Green Pilot Program that allows builders to deviate from standard codes to build more sustainably. For example, the building was allowed to add two to three feet to the height of each floor to allow more daylighting. Neighbors objected to the additional 10 feet in overall building height, but the program permitted the non-conforming design.
Some of the building’s code deviations have been incorporated into the city code. For instance, the city council and the mayor had to approve changes to the building code to allow permits for “sustainability features.” This move allows the building’s solar canopy to extend all the way to the property line.
Bullitt Foundation, the environmental group that owns the building, recently signed a first-in-the-nation agreement with the local utility that will allow the foundation to sell Seattle City Light the energy it is saving or “negawatts.” The arrangement, known as MEETS (metered energy efficiency transaction structure) could be a pioneer in drawing investment funds to energy-efficiency projects.
Bullitt is also seeking final approvals from the county and state to turn the building into its own water district. That designation would allow tenants to drink rainwater collected on site and treated in the building’s basement.
(http://grist.org/business-technology/how-one-building-is-changing-the-world/)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.