The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy was conceived to train next generation workers in principles of sustainability and corresponding technologies. It also serves as a catalyst for increased environmental stewardship. Satisfying Cascadia’s Living Building Challenge (LBC), a series of stringent sustainability requirements, was a primary target, along with the building being environmentally self-sufficient, or net-zero. LBC mandates utilization of local natural materials, on site water treatment and reduction or elimination of the building’s carbon footprint.