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Building within a Sustainable Framework

Learn more about how we support sustainable, resilient, and community-centered outcomes.

Sustainability & Envision Certification Overview

The Elliott West Wet Weather Treatment Station (EWWTS) upgrade is designed not only to improve wastewater treatment and protect water quality in Elliott Bay, but also to support sustainable, resilient, and community-centered outcomes.

 

What is Envision?

The Green Building and Sustainable Development Ordinance (19402), updated on March 9, 2022, requires all construction projects in King County to use the King County Sustainable Infrastructure Scorecard or another approved green building rating system. This helps make sure projects include cost effective, sustainable practices. All construction projects also need to meet the relevant King County equity and social justice requirements, no matter which rating system is used. More specifically, King County’s 2025 Strategic Climate Action Plan requires all Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) combined sewer overflow projects over $20 million to pursue a Platinum level of achievement from Envision.

Envision is a national sustainability framework, developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI), to guide and assess infrastructure projects. It helps ensure that complex public works - like this station upgrade - thoughtfully consider environmental protection, climate resilience, community needs, and quality of life as part of project planning and design. At the completion of this project, we expect to achieve Envision® Platinum Certification.

Envision looks across five areas:

  • Quality of Life - how the project supports community well-being
  • Leadership - planning and coordination for long-term success
  • Resource Allocation - thoughtful use of energy, water, and materials
  • Natural World - protection and restoration of ecosystems
  • Climate & Resilience - preparing for future weather and climate change impacts

Sustainability goals guided by the Envision ® Framework

Architectural rendering of the Elliott West Wet Weather Treatment Station featuring modern industrial design with tall glass and concrete structures, rust-colored paneling, landscaped walkways, and sustainability goals branding in the upper left corner.

Based on standards from ENVISION SUSTAINABILITY FRAMEWORK

ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE

Protect public health and support community well‑beingby upgrading the facility in ways that reduce impacts on the surrounding neighborhood. The project prioritizes strategies that limit noise, vibrations, light pollution, and construction disruptions, while respecting local character and supporting a safe, healthy environment for the community.

LEADERSHIP

Lead with transparency and collaboration by engaging with the community throughout the design process to understand priorities and incorporate feedback into project decisions. Ongoing communication and clear follow‑up help ensure the project reflects community values and supports shared long‑term success.

RESOURCE ALLOCATION

Use energy and materials responsibly by designing and operating the expanded facility to reduce energy use and minimize waste over its full life. The project prioritizes efficient equipment and ongoing monitoring to support long‑term sustainability and reliable service for the community.

NATURAL WORLD

Protect and restore natural ecosystems by reducing pollution that can reach Elliott Bay during heavy rain, supporting cleaner water and healthier marine life. The project also adds new greenspace along Elliott Avenue to restore natural areas, support native plants, improve habitat, and create a more welcoming neighborhood environment.

CLIMATE & RESILIENCE

Prepare for climate change and extreme weather by designing the facility to handle heavier rain and larger storm events. The project increases drainage and groundwater capacity to reduce flooding risks and limit pollution during severe weather, helping protect the surrounding environment and community over the long term.

How This Project Uses Envision

The Elliott West project is actively pursuing Envision ® Platinum certification - an independent way to show that sustainability and resilience are being considered throughout design and early planning, not just after construction. This includes community engagement as a fundamental part of how project decisions are shaped.

What This Means for Our Community

By using the Envision framework, the project team is helping ensure that: Designs use Envision guidance to reduce environmental impacts and community impacts around noise, lighting, access, water quality, and long-term performance. Approaches to climate change preparedness and severe rain events are built into the facility. Community feedback is recorded and used as part of documentation. Features like energy efficiency, habitat protection, and equitable engagement are part of long-term planning Status update: The project is currently in design, and sustainability work is part of how decisions are being made now; not something set aside for later. As design continues, more information and updates will be posted here.