Forty-eight attendees enjoyed Net Impact’s preview of Utah’s greenest building October 21st. The new Swaner EcoCenter, which has applied for Platinum LEED Certification and will likely be the first Platinum building in Utah, opened its doors to Net Impact for a preview tour of their new building.

Colleen Reid Rush, Swaner’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, hosted a presentation and walked members through the building which has incorporated sustainable design principles in everything from permeable concrete to high-efficiency hand dryers.

Some highlights included viewing materials used in construction such as countertops made of sunflower seed composite and learning about energy efficiency measures such as using a solar radiant heating system. The innovative design will likely inspire sustainable construction throughout Utah and offer visitors a unique experience.

What does it take to become a Platinum LEED Building?

Accomplishments of The Swaner EcoCenter:

• Air Quality: Minimizing materials that off gas or contain formaldehyde and implementing measures, like air flushes, combine to create unparalleled air quality.
• Earth Friendly Materials: 75% of building materials in the EcoCenter are recycled or salvaged.
• Energy Conservation: The EcoCenter uses 54% less energy then traditional buildings built without energy efficiency measures.
• Water Conservation: Low-flow and waterless plumbing fixtures plus collected rainwater renders EcoCenter a 90% water savings.