Environmental Commitment
We consider environmental stewardship a professional imperative. Mahlum’s community of practice fully embraces architectural principles and practices that respect the earth, show reverence for nature’s life-giving force, support learning opportunities connected to the environment and demonstrate best practice. We take seriously the responsibility to use resources wisely — re-using building materials, selecting locally made products, designing low-impact building systems and demanding resource conservation for all project types.
Within the firm and in collaboration with peer organizations, we continue to learn and evolve. Every day we dedicate time and talent to leadership in the arena of sustainability, using our skills and knowledge to lessen the impact of the built environment on the planet.
A designated partner with the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, we have made a significant commitment to integrated design and energy performance goals in all our work. We also foster innovation through internally funded sustainable research projects, keeping our staff at the forefront of energy efficient design. As a tangible goal, we commit to meeting the 2030 Challenge, which focuses on achieving carbon neutrality through improved building performance and reduced energy consumption.
The firm is also an active member of:
Center for the Built Environment (CBE)
AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE)
Projects
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), US Green Building Council
LEED Platinum
Western Oregon University
New Live/Learn Residence Hall (in progress)
LEED Gold
Seminar II, The Evergreen State College
Providence Newberg Medical Center, Providence Health & Services
Burlingham Hall,
Pacific University
Gilbert Hall,
Pacific University
Clark Hall Renovation, University of Washington
LEED for Schools Gold
Sue Buel Elementary School, McMinnville School District
Rosedale Elementary School, Hillsboro School District
LEED Silver
Miller Hall Renovation, Western Washington University (in progress)
LEED for Schools Silver
Muckleshoot Tribal K-12 School, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
LEED Certified
Enumclaw Regional Hospital, Franciscan Health System (in progress)
Top Ten Green Projects Awards, AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE)
Seminar II, The Evergreen State College (2005 award winner)
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Lake Washington School District (2006 award winner)
2030 Challenge
Projects that meet the 2030 Challenge:
Burlingham Hall,
Pacific University
Gilbert Hall,
Pacific University
Clark Hall Renovation,
University of Washington
Living Building Challenge, Cascadia Region Green Building Council
Seminar II, The Evergreen State College
2007 Demonstrated Leadership in the Living Building Challenge - Indoor Quality
(No project has yet met all six petals of the Living Building Challenge.)
Projects, continued
Washington Sustainable Schools Protocol (WSSP),
Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
Projects that comply with the WSSP:
Washington Middle School, Olympia School District (2004 pilot project)
Gray Middle School, Tacoma Public Schools (2006 volunteer project)
Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, Lake Washington School District
Bainbridge High School Building 200, Bainbridge Island School District
Nathan Hale High School Modernization, Seattle Public Schools
Issaquah High School, Issaquah School District
Finn Hill Junior High School, Lake Washington School District
John Muir Elementary School, Lake Washington School District
Operations
We apply equal rigor to resource conservation in
our own operations, and
seek out opportunities to do more with less.
Paper
All paper used in our printers/copiers contains 100% post-consumer recycled waste fiber and is Forest Stewardship Council certified. Many of our paper products are Green Seal certified and chlorine free. Some are even manufactured with 100% wind power. Only vegetable-based inks are used for Mahlum business papers.
Compost
Mahlum's priority is to compost first, recycle second, and trash last. Through composting and vermicomposting, we are successfully diverting 2/3 of our previous waste volume from the region's landfills. For several years, our staff have been re-using coffee grounds for garden mulch as part of our Garden Grounds program. Annually, this program diverts 468 gallons (72.8 cubic feet) of coffee grounds from the waste stream to feed our local ecosystem.
