Western takes steps toward environmental sustainability

Western Washington University has almost reached its $20 million fundraising goal to begin the construction of the first carbon-neutral building on a college campus in Washington state. 

It will run off renewable energy, have the technology to store energy on-site, be designed to maximize energy efficiency and use cross-laminated timber in construction. While building, the workers will aim to “reduce waste and transportation inefficiency,” according to a press release from Western. 

The $72 million facility will be constructed at the southern end of campus, against East College Way and be connected to the existing Communications Facility via skybridge. The university plans to complete construction by summer 2024.