Seattle Opens Its Doors (Wider) to Green Tech

We profiled Seattle companies making an effort to lessen their impact on the environment, and a new project by McKinstry Construction may help to increase the number of businesses in Seattle working towards a greener future.

McKinstry, famous for buildings like Qwest Field and the EMP, is building a 24,000 square foot space for new clean tech start-ups. The building has been dubbed the "The Innovation Center." Until recently there were no confirmed tenants, but  General Biodiesel and Hydrovolts have announced that they are both planning to move into the facility later this month.

According to McKinstry's website, the goal of the Innovation Center is to "bring new and emerging companies together to foster the advancement of clean, green energy technologies." Companies located in the space will have access to McKinstry's resources as well as the ability to collaborate with the other companies housed there.

A press release from McKinstry stated that "A recent study conducted for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) by Grant Thornton found that business incubators are the most effective means of creating jobs – more effective than roads and bridges, industrial parks, commercial buildings, and sewer and water projects. According to the study, EDA investments produce an average of 2.2 to 5.0 jobs per $10,000 in federal spending for a federal cost per job of $2,001 to $4,611."

Hopefully the Innovation Center will provide not only new jobs but also solutions to the growing energy concerns that our nation faces. Placing the facility close to downtown Seattle gives companies in the Center access to a wide selection of problem solvers whose talents might not currently be turned towards environmental issues.

So far I can't see a downside to McKinstry's plan. Let me know if you think of any pitfalls.

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