King County and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (ARE) are pioneering a ground-breaking project that captures heat from a large, underground sewer pipe to warm a 1.6 million-square-foot life science mega campus in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.
A first in the realm of large commercial projects, this initiative showcases how public-private collaborations can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Alexandria Center for Life Science, a landmark 1.6 million-square-foot life science mega campus in Seattle’s South Lake Union, represents a cutting-edge example of sustainable urban development.
Using advanced heating and cooling wastewater energy technology (SHARC Series) the system consistently extracts heat from a county sewer pipe, processes it through a heat pump system, and then distributes it across the campus.
This technology is not only a first in the nation for its scale but also a game-changer in terms of environmental impact. It is projected to reduce carbon emissions by a staggering 99% compared to conventional energy sources used in similar buildings in Seattle.
The system’s implementation is slated for 2025, marking a significant step towards sustainable urban living.
King County’s involvement highlights its commitment to innovative energy-saving solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The county’s initiative to develop commercial interest in sewer heat recovery is part of a broader strategy to encourage sustainable practices in commercial and multi-family buildings, which account for a significant portion of countywide emissions. King County’s pilot program for wastewater energy underlines its proactive stance in promoting renewable energy sources and partnering with the private sector for environmental stewardship.
Alexandria Real Estate Equites, Inc., the developer, is renowned for its focus on life science industries, providing the necessary infrastructure for mission-critical operations. With over 29 years of experience, ARE has become a leader in creating collaborative campuses for life science, agtech, and advanced technology companies.
Their approach balances critical elements like location, innovation, talent, and capital, essential for thriving life science clusters.
King County‘s groundbreaking initiative in the sewer heat recovery project highlights its commitment to innovative environmental solutions and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
This involvement is a testament to their forward-thinking approach in fostering public-private partnerships for environmental stewardship.
The project not only helps King County achieve its climate action goals but also bolsters its reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation, making it an attractive location for environmentally conscious businesses and residents.
McKinstry, a key contractor for the project, brings expertise in designing and building high-performance facilities, contributing to the project’s success in an urban landscape. This collaboration illustrates the feasibility and benefits of integrating modern technology into existing infrastructure, even in densely populated areas.
The Alexandria Center for Life Science project stands as a prime example of how public-private partnerships are driving innovation in sustainable energy use in urban developments.
This serves as a model for municipalities and governments seeking to integrate renewable energy solutions into commercial real estate, highlighting the potential for significant environmental and economic benefits.
| Product Installed | Project Type | Project Size | Commissioned | Developer | Engineer | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHARC 880 | District Energy | 1.6M sq ft | Est 2025 | Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. | McKinstry | - |
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