UMC Aligns Seattle Building Emission Performance Standards with the Goals of Life Science Companies

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On behalf of life science companies, UMC Inc has worked with the City of Seattle to align the upcoming Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standards with the goals of life science companies.

This new policy sets targets to reduce carbon emissions and work toward the goal of net zero buildings by 2050. With the policy nearing its final draft, this teamwork between UMC and the City of Seattle has ensured that the new carbon emissions policy supports healthy labs. 

“We’re excited about the future of sustainable life science in Seattle. Our partnership with the City produced a carbon emissions policy aligned with the goals and realities of lab and research facilities. This is going to benefit the entire Life Sciences Washington community for decades. Big thanks to the City of Seattle for leading the way on healthy buildings, a healthy climate, and now healthy labs as well.” -Chris Olmsted, Life Science Market Lead, UMC Inc.

Here are some highlights of the updated Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standards:

  • Life Science facilities will start with practical first-step targets
  • Large energy loads from laboratory process equipment will be excluded from total emissions.
  • Emergency backup power generation will not negatively impact carbon emissions scoring.
  • Older and less efficient life science buildings will only need to make a 10% reduction in emissions, not achieve the full target.
  • Facilities that make the switch from natural gas to 100% electric energy will be exempt.
  • Extensions will be available for buildings that require significant improvements to electrical infrastructure

Policy updates and information are available from the Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment.