In February, Environment and Our Community students got a close-up look at how those two things – environment and community – will work together in the future. The class had a private tour of Seattle’s Bullitt Center, billed as “The Greenest Commercial Building in the World.”
The most visible “green” feature is the overhanging roof, which is a giant solar panel. The building also collects rainwater, with a treatment system in the basement that cleans it for drinking and other uses. Between these two systems, the building is completely independent from city utilities for water and electricity.
Saving even more power are the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the offices with natural light – and the sun shades that automatically adjust to keep the place from getting too hot in the summer.
Inside, the dominating feature is a grand, natural wood staircase that goes all the way up to the 6th floor – built from locally-sourced timber, to minimize carbon emissions in transporting it to the site. Dubbed the “Irresistable Staircase,” the intention was to make it so beautiful and inviting that people would be inclined to walk up and down instead of using the elevator. It saves electricity and helps office workers get more exercise.
Student reactions were overwhelmingly positive. “It was a great honor to be a participant in the Bullitt Center tour,” said Larkin; “I learned quite a bit about green and technologically advanced buildings.” Camille noted that the visit “helped us get more in touch with our effects on the environment and what we can do to better treat and heal it.” And Grace observed, “I wish houses were built better, and I look forward to seeing houses and buildings improve.”
Later, the students were asked whether they considered the building to be an ecosystem. “I would call the Bullitt Center an ecosystem because there are humans and birds that have made nests,” opined Zach. “It does provide its own source of water via the rain as well as perform its own version of photosynthesis where it converts sunlight into power…so the building is more like a tree and less of normal building. ”
The six-story office tower is a partnership between the University of Washington’s Center for Integrated Design and the Bullitt Foundation, whose mission is “To safeguard the natural environment by promoting responsible human activities and sustainable communities in the Pacific Northwest.”
Now marking its 10th anniversary, the Bullitt Center may no longer be the greenest – as more and more new buildings make use of these technologies. But that was always part of the plan: It exists to show the world that cities and sustainability are compatible. (In fact, preferable.)
About the OLSBC Environment & Our Community Course
Environment & Our Community is a three-course series taken in the second or third year of the OLSBC program and is one of the many courses students take to earn their associate degree. In this course, students build awareness of the Puget Sound by engaging in the pressing issues facing our communities.
About Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.
Last Updated March 28, 2023