The Bullitt Center in Seattle, United States, is a six-story office building. This 'Living Laboratory' is certified by the International Living Future Institute for Living Building, Net-zero energy, and Net-zero water.

The Bullitt Center achieves net-zero energy through 100% on-site renewable energy generation using photovoltaic technology. The building also achieves net-zero water with a 50,000-gallon rainwater tank, efficient vacuum flush toilets, and an on-site constructed wetland to treat graywater before infiltration.

The Bullitt Center uses a Building Management System (BMS) that integrates with both passive and active systems to maintain comfort while achieving net-zero energy and water use. For instance, when ventilation is needed, windows open automatically. For shading, the louvers adjust to block direct sunlight. In cold weather, the system closes the windows and activates ground source heat pumps for heating.

The building’s 14,000-square-foot rooftop solar system has 575 panels with a peak capacity of 242 kW. It produces around 250,000 kWh of electricity each year, even in Seattle’s cloudy climate.

The building is designed to maximize daylight, with triple-glazed windows enabling 82% of regularly occupied spaces to be daylit. Automated external blinds respond to sunlight levels and time of day, reducing cooling loads and glare while optimizing interior lighting conditions.

The Bullitt Center is designed to meet the Living Building Challenge, making it one of only a few such projects globally. It aims to operate without energy or water utility bills for the next 250 years, demonstrating long-term sustainability. Read the detailed case study