The Building
Welcome to your Center for Local Food & Sustainable Living
21 Acres is a dynamic place for dialogue, testing, improvements, adjustments, and changes that inspire people to think about systems differently. You’ll find us deeply engaged in food and environment issues in and around our building, in the kitchen, on the farm, and with community partners.
The Building
Our main building here at 21 Acres often sparks conversation. It was one of the first LEED Platinum certified buildings in the greater Seattle area and visitors enjoy discovering its ever-evolving environmentally-friendly features. Most things here are American-made, sourced as locally as possible, and take into account fair labor practices. Every choice is a mindful one.
Scroll down to sign up for a free live green building tour. You can also enjoy a recorded virtual tour with our Energy Manager & Educator.
- Map of the 21 Acres Center
- 21 Acres Photo Gallery
Awards
21 Acres was awarded LEED Platinum Certification in 2013 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in the category of LEED for New Construction v2.2 rating system. The 12,000 square foot building was awarded the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for its integration of innovative building and on-site systems.
Learn just what makes a building green.
EnviroStars
We are pleased to be recognized by EnviroStars as a Champion — the highest level of recognition. Points were awarded not only because of the systems design and overall construction, but also because of how the facility is managed.
Read this Guide to Sustainable Features to learn more about the facility and how we achieved LEED Platinum Certification. Read about the EnviroStars award here.
Surrounding Grounds
Situated at the northern point of the Sammamish Valley in one of King County’s five Agriculture Production Districts, 21 Acres is a gateway to beautiful farmland with some of the most fertile soils in the nation. The Center is also near the Sammamish River Trail system which ties into the popular Burke-Gilman Trail, connecting more than 175 miles of regional trails. Here, are access points to tour sustainable farms, see food growing firsthand, and have experiential opportunities to play a role in local food systems.
proof of concept
As we conceptualized 21 Acres, our goal was to create both an example and a catalyst for change – a place to entice interested individuals and like-minded organizations to explore and learn about agriculture, food, the environment, and what it takes to live sustainably. Striving for LEED Platinum Certification was a way to prove that green building could be done well on a farm at a time when many design professionals and construction trades had just begun to think about alternative approaches.
Systems in Practice
Our building and farm host a wide array of integrated sustainable systems; a solar array, passive solar design, automated controls and energy monitoring, geothermal heating, composting toilets, and much more. Check out 21 Acres Center – Guide to Sustainable Features for details.
schedule a tour
The Center at 21 Acres is a “100-200-year” building that houses our work in an inspiring setting, adapts to changing requirements, has a low impact on the environment, and can last indefinitely. Join us for a tour of the 21 Acres’ LEED Platinum certified green building. OR Schedule a private tour for your group and help support 21 Acres programming, by contacting us at generalinfo@21acres.org.
