Ground-Breaking for a New Zero-Energy Academic Building

Photo Credits: Luke Hollister and Sean Patrick, Western Washington University

Western Washington University (WWU) broke ground for a new zero-energy academic building. 

The Kaiser Borsari Hall will serve as the university’s computer and energy science facility providing electrical and computing engineering programs. 

The building will be designed by Perkins&Will along with the general contractor and construction manager, Mortenson. 

According to the press release, Kaiser Borsari Hall will be the first zero-energy academic building that is publicly funded on a university campus in Washington State and one of the few in the nation.

Photo Credits: Luke Hollister and Sean Patrick, Western Washington University

The structure will offer a culturally and physically safe design for community spaces, classrooms, and labs to accommodate a range of learning and ability styles. 

The building also aims to be a “smart building,” fitted with sustainably harvested local wood, and power sourced from solar panels on and offsite. 

The site also aims to achieve an International Living Future Institute and Living Building Challenge Energy Petal Certification. As well as aims to exceed expectations for LEED standards for energy and carbon emissions. 

The new facility will advance the universities overall goal of being the first net-zero university campus.