The R building, a $20-million, five-story facility, will be dedicated in ceremonies Nov. 2. It features waterless urinals, a geothermal heating and cooling system and other green innovations expected to save more than 4 million gallons of water, 24 million cf of natural gas and $1 million in operating costs over the 30-year depreciable life of the building. Savings are calculated in comparison to expected usage without these innovations.

The R Building's three-story classroom wing and two-story office wing will form the largest building on BCC's campus -- providing 29 classrooms and faculty/staff offices to help accommodate the College's rapid growth. The 68,000 sf, L-shaped structure also willprovide meeting rooms, common areas for informal study and social interaction, and a dance studio.

"The R Building is designed not only to provide a quality learning environment but also to be kind to the natural environment," says John Carroll, BCC's Director of Campus Operations. "We are especially grateful to the City of Bellevue for their willingness to consider new ways to meet these goals."

In addition to waterless urinals and the geothermal system, the R Building's advanced conservation features include natural lighting and natural ventilation, recycled and environmentally neutral materials, and a storm drainage system that helps to preserve water quality.

Architects and general contractor for the $20 million project are LMN Architects, Seattle, and M.A. Mortenson, Bellevue, respectively.