Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. today announced it received a 2030 District Vision Award for being the first Seattle developer to adopt the 2030 District Challenge. The New Construction Vision Award recognized Skanska’s work at 400 Fairview, their second development in the Seattle area.
The Seattle 2030 District brings together property owners and managers, local governments, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide a business model for urban sustainability through collaboration, leveraged financing, and shared resources.
“Shifting market demand always represents the tipping point for change in an industry,” said Brian Geller, Executive Director of The Seattle 2030 District. “Skanska USA included The Seattle 2030 District’s performance targets at 400 Fairview’s inception, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and helping to advance an entire industry.”
The November awards ceremony marks the organization’s first annual Vision Awards, honoring District members like Skanska for developing and implementing creative strategies, best practices, and verification methods for measuring progress toward city-wide carbon neutrality by 2030.
With 400 Fairview, Skanska plans for 29 percent improvement over the LEED baseline for energy consumption. Additionally, current estimates show 400 Fairview will save an estimated 240,000 gallons of water every year through recycling rainwater.
“Applying sustainable design solutions that also seek to make Seattle more competitive are the strategies we must apply to our urban communities to make them more social, human and fun,” said Lisa Picard, Executive Vice President and West Coast Regional Director for Skanska Commercial Development. “I believe having a strong consciousness toward our clients and community is now more critical to the continued and future success of every business and the planet.”
Established in Seattle, 2030 Districts are at the forefront of regional – and national – grassroots efforts to create strong environmental partnerships, coalitions, and collaboration around ambitious, measurable and achievable goals.
All of Skanska’s commercial development projects must achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification. Stone34, Skanska’s first development project in Seattle, is pre-certified LEED Platinum and will provide a 75 percent reduction in water and energy use (of similar size commercial facility) as part of the city’s Deep Green Pilot Program.