Going Beyond LEED: Deep Green Practices

As more companies recognize the economic and environmental benefits of achieving LEED certification for their buildings, Skanska envisions a future that goes far beyond LEED into "Deep Green" or Living Building" practices. The Deep Green concept envisions buildings with zero net energy, zero unsustainable materials, and zero net waste water. Last month, Skanska unveiled Washington State's greenest new building and what could be the first certified "Living Building" in the state - the new Science Wing at the Bertschi School elementary school in Seattle. The building features an ethnobotanical garden to grow food; cisterns for rainwater harvesting; a green moss-mat roof; composting toilet; natural ventilation and radiant floor heating; a living wall of tropical plants to treat grey water; and solar panels, which produce all of the building's energy. While Deep Green may not be feasible on a large scale right now, buildings like the Berschi School, demonstrate that with the right vision, a greener future is on the horizon. Paul Hewins is general manager and executive vice president for Skanksa USA's New England region, Boston.