Seattle University Sustainable Master Plan

Aligning Mission and Operations

Seattle University Sustainable Master Plan

Seattle, WA

Trailblazing Campus Sustainability

Seattle University was an early supporter of the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, targeting climate neutrality for their campus. To further fulfill its mission as a leading education institution, the University sought to connect their campus master plan with a sustainable master plan and share what they learned.

Integrated Design Analysis

Working closely with many of the University’s departments, Mithun conducted an assessment of existing conditions and behavior around energy, carbon, water, ecological systems and human well-being. The team also targeted goals for each resource, integrated with long-term, high-level physical and budget planning for the campus.

Transformative Process

The dialogue that occurred during this process was transformative for a university that was already leading in sustainable practices. Connecting with neighboring institutions and the City to evolve ideas fostered relationships that continue to advance Seattle University’s goals.

The Seattle University campus is situated two miles east of Elliott Bay on the edge of Seattle’s downtown and central business district.

This diagram examines the ecosystem services in different environments ranging from the Seattle University native conifer forest to today’s sealed surfaces, as well as low-impact regenerative environments.

Water is becoming scarce world-wide (only approximately 1% of water on our planet is fresh water). Making better use of the rain that falls on site is a great tool to save potable water costs (irrigation and flushing).

This diagram shows the energy resource flow for the Seattle University campus: solar input, electrical energy, gas and steam heat as well as commuter transportation and air travel (2007). The total emissions are shown in relation by sector and fuel type.

Understanding the key components of resiliency helps us design and plan for more resilient urban communities. This is a helpful tool to maximize benefits and to choose the most immediate strategies with the greatest effects.

This diagram shows the energy resource flow for the Seattle University campus: solar input, electrical energy, gas and steam heat as well as commuter transportation and air travel (2007). The total emissions are shown in relation by sector and fuel type.

This wedge diagram shows a range of potable water reduction strategies. It is a useful decision making tool to establish realistic reduction targets.

Understanding the key components of resiliency helps us design and plan for more resilient urban communities. This is a helpful tool to maximize benefits and to choose the most immediate strategies with the greatest effects.

Aligning Mission and Operations

Seattle University Sustainable Master Plan