The Sinegal Center is Golden

Seattle University’s Jim and Janet Sinegal Center for Science and Innovation is a state-of-the-art facility representing the future of STEM education and is now officially a LEED Gold certified building.

All new buildings at Seattle University are designed to achieve LEED Gold standards. They each feature native, drought-tolerant plants, high-efficiency energy systems and water fixtures, Forest Stewardship Council certified wood products and building products made locally of recycled materials and with low VOC content.

The Sinegal Center is the fifth campus facility—joining others including the Advancement and Alumni Building, Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons and the Student Center—to be certified LEED Gold. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), “to achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.”

“Sustainable materials, energy efficiency and future flexibility were key components of the Sinegal Center’s design,” says Lara Branigan, director of Design + Construction at SU. “The building is tangible proof of the university’s commitment to sustainability.”

Additionally, the Sinegal Center’s grounds—specifically the Kubota Legacy Garden—earned a merit award from the Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (WASLA), recognizing outstanding achievements in landscape architecture.

In detailing the strengths of the grounds—submitted as the Living Legacy at Seattle University: Creating Space for Generations of Students by Honoring the Past—landscape architects who make up the jury said the following:

“This is a very commendable effort in honoring Kubota’s intention.”

“The project was beautifully executed.”

“It is clear that great care was taken to keep some character from the previous design.” 

“The landscape and buildings complement each other very well.”

“The reference to the old design is very interesting. The new design feels timeless.”

Learn more about Seattle University’s LEED Gold certified buildings.