Photo courtesy AGC of Washington Morken Center at Pacific Lutheran University was made with recycled materials and is LEED certified.

One of the greatest challenges on this project was to deliver an exceptional LEED-certified green building within a tight schedule and budget using a process that incorporated new goals and requirements.

Sellen used sustainable construction practices, including Rain Store systems to eliminate site runoff, certified wood for forming materials, and recycled and low-VOC materials. In support of local businesses and to further reduce environmental impacts, 38 percent of the building materials were made within a 500-mile radius.

A unique closed-loop recycling effort was used where recycled wood was returned to the project site as mulch.

On-site construction equipment was fueled by biodiesel to significantly reduce engine emissions that might have contaminated fresh air intakes of adjoining buildings.