Nature as Engineer: Rethinking What Buildings Can Do

Most buildings are designed to take from the environment—drawing energy, consuming water, and relying on materials with hidden costs. The Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst, MA, rethinks that equation. In 2019, it became just the 23rd building in the world to achieve Living Building Certification, proving that a structure can generate more energy than it uses, harvest and clean its own water, and be built entirely with materials that do no harm.

At 9,000 square feet, the Center proves that size doesn’t define impact. Each year, more than 13,000 visitors—from local students to corporate leadership teams—experience hands-on programs in problem-solving, engineering, and regenerative design. With over 30% of participants supported by scholarships or sliding-scale fees, the lessons here are meant for everyone.

The Hitchcock Center is more than a model—it’s a launching point. Students reimagine engineering, municipalities tackle flooding and air quality, and organizations explore how sustainability can translate to their own work. For EANE members, a visit offers inspiration, practical ideas, and opportunities for collaboration.