Buildings

Buildings

We're committed to developing a campus that incorporates the principles of sustainable design in all aspects of site and building design, construction, maintenance and operation as mandated by our Facilities Master Plan 2006-2026.  This Master Plan outlines the following goals:    

  • Design new and renovation projects to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold standards.  
  • Incorporate sustainable design approaches into campus site layout, circulation plans, landscape, hardscape, and campus infrastructure.  
  • Harmonize the human built environment with natural systems and processes. 
  • Make sustainable features visible and available as learning and teaching opportunities.  
  • Build for permanence and quality, and flexibility to adapt to changing program requirements over time. 

Seattle University's LEED Gold buildings


 All four LEED Gold buildings are highly energy efficient; built with materials selected for their recycled content, local availability, and low VOC content; use Forest Stewardship Council–certified wood and high-efficiency water fixtures. 

/uploadedImages/Sustainability/Campus_Initiatives/AandALEED_interpretive_sign.jpg Admissions & Alumni 
Our first LEED-Gold building, completed in 2009, features solar panels, a green roof, drought-tolerant landscaping, and a rainwater cistern. We annually purchase 122 metric tons of carbon offsets from Community Energy to make this building carbon neutral. Read the Admissions & Alumni Storyboard to learn more.  

Law School Annex
This building, completed in 2010, is furnished with 40% used office furniture, and all new furniture is certified under the GreenGuard Program for low-emitting materials. All office equipment and electronics are Energy Star–rated.    

McGoldrick Learning Commons
The 2010 addition to the library features a raingarden, drought-tolerant landscaping, and a highly energy efficient mechanical system. 

Fitness Center
Our fourth LEED-Gold building opened in 2011 and features parking for 50 bikes, increased outdoor air ventilation by 30% and windows providing a direct view to the outside in 90% of the regularly occupied rooms. 

Other Green Buildings on Campus


Kolvenbach Student Housing
These two homes achieved a Built Green 3 Star  rating in 2007 for their use of cork, bamboo and linoleum flooring; water and energy efficient fixtures and appliances, salvaged building materials and low VOC paint. Read Kolvenbach Green Features  to learn more. 

Student Center
Our first LEED building, earned a LEED-Certified rating in 2002 for its commuter locker room and showers, and locally sourced materials with high recycled content and low levels of VOCs. The Student Center achieved an innovation credit for building the campus compost facility that composts Bon Appetit's kitchen food scraps. Read Student Center Green Features to learn more.