Amazing campus of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation campus in Seattle, Washington has secured LEED-NC Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.

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Designed by NBBJ, it is one of the world's most eco-friendly buildings with a solar energy system on the roof.

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The total design and construction cost for the new campus is $500 million. Bill and Melinda made a personal contribution of $350 million in 2009 to off-set the construction cost of the new campus.

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The campus includes 900,000 square feet in two six-storey office buildings. It sits on 12 acres.

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The campus was built as a long-term investment to ensure it remains a viable, efficient workplace for today and in decades to come.

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The eco friendly building is designed to last 100 years.

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The campus has a water storage system underneath its surface with a capacity to hold 750,000 gallons.

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Up to 1.2 million gallons of rainwater will be recycled annually.

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The energy-efficient systems have reduced the total energy usage of the facility by 40 per cent.

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There is an under-floor air distribution system for ventilation, which conserves energy and facilitates future space modifications.

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A one million-gallon rainwater storage system used for irrigation, water features, and toilets.

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Several 'living' roofs with plants, reduce run off and moderate wide temperature swings, filter air and provide a habitat for birds and insects.

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The design itself reflects the foundation's work in health and learning.

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The buildings are connected in a campus-like setting designed to facilitate interaction, collaboration, and learning.

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The campus design will include open green spaces and the design ensures natural light in the building.