Stanley Center for Peace and Security

The Stanley Center for Peace and Security drives global policy change in three policy areas: nuclear disarmament, mass atrocity prevention, and climate change mitigation. Its new headquarters is set to be the second renovation in the world to achieve full Living Building Challenge (LBC) Certification. The building produces 110 percent of its energy, collects all potable and non-potable water through rainfall, and uses Red List–compliant materials.

Most of the existing building mass was reused, and nearly half of new materials were sourced within 310 miles of the site. A portion of the existing building was removed to create a courtyard where fresh produce is grown for the neighboring food bank. The courtyard also delivers daylighting and views to 95 percent of occupied spaces. The ground floor houses mainly public spaces, while the second floor contains private offices.

The LBC’s Responsible Materials Imperative requires that at least 90 percent of new materials avoid Red List chemicals. The project’s systems-based furniture and private office fronts—Aspect and Beyond walls by Allsteel—have been vetted through the Materials Petal for low VOC levels and have Red List Approved Declare labels. These products were manufactured locally and supported the local economy.

This project turned a liability into an economic asset for the city and the community. The building’s history as a center of learning continues through programming that attracts schoolchildren, local visitors, and global policy makers—to date over 5,000 people have visited from six continents.

In addition, the Stanley Center’s partnership with a neighboring nonprofit provides a domestic violence shelter, mental health counseling, pediatric dental care, a food pantry, and other essential services.