The promise of the Seattle 2030 District was forward-focused back in 2011: To bring members of the built design community together to find ways to cut construction and operational emissions in energy, water, and Co2 from transportation options by 2030. To remain on the cutting-edge, the 2030 District strives to create an inclusive community that represents the city we serve.

Our goal is to positively push the building industry to include a greater diversity of voices in the decision-making process. Our work with BIPOC and low-wealth populations is driven by the communities we serve. Please reach out with your suggestions and constructive feedback to reach this visionary goal together.

Below, you can learn about some of our key projects that are advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the city we love.

The United Indians of All Tribes broke ground in January 2023 on the proposed Canoe Carving House in Lake Union Park. The 1,200-square-foot structure will be a place to carve, store, launch and educate visitors about traditional canoes made from cedar trees.

The project will also feature a camas prairie green roof to treat stormwater runoff into Lake Union. The Seattle 2030 District secured funding for the green roof and for post-construction water quality testing. We will also be providing educational opportunities to the community about how green stormwater infrastructure can help to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the watershed. Learn more and support the completion of the Canoe Carving House here.

In partnership with the Housing Development Consortium, the Seattle 2030 District is co-chairing the Decarbonize Affordable Housing Now Task Force. The Decarbonize Affordable Housing Now team works to build pathways for affordable housing providers to achieve net zero energy and comply with city decarbonization targets. The aging affordable housing stock in Seattle needs significant programmatic support to meet energy and emissions goals over the next ten years. This group will create models for affordable housing decarbonization, facilitate demonstration projects, and advocate for policies that enable building improvements.

Learn more about the Housing Development Consortium and the Exemplary Buildings Program here.

The Energy Design Competition explored options for International Terrace, a Seattle Housing Authority low-income housing facility, to achieve net zero energy and carbon emissions. The competition brought together teams of architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to create recommendations for International Terrace.

The participating teams explored a range of energy and emissions reductions strategies. A team of industry-leaders served on the judging panel to evaluate the teams recommendations and provide guidance on building decarbonization. The winning team included participants from the Miller Hull Partnership, PAE Engineers, Degenkolb Engineers, and GLY Construction. See the winning project proposal here.