Sustainable Technology Center Costs Less

The article on the Sustainable Technology Center (Vol. 5, No. 5) missed the true performance of this market-rate commercial complex in its first year. The two buildings at the Center saved 82% on utility costs for water, sewage, electricity, and heating compared to the performance of the Center if built conventionally in Friday Harbor. Using Bonneville Power Administration commercial building performance comparisons, the utility savings amounted to $2.48 per square foot annually, or the equivalent of nearly 21⁄2 months of free rent for each business in the Center. Although rents are higher, the total costs of a space are much lower than conventional.

more profitable design is the key to promoting sustainable approaches, the area of expertise we emphasize.

Jim Sackett, President

Seventh Generation Systems, Inc.

Friday Harbor, Washington

Editor’s response:

The savings at the Sustainable Technology Center are indeed notable. To reach 82%, however, you are comparing the center to a pretty bad base case. The bad news is that such buildings are still being built.