The construction launch of the Living Building at Georgia Tech — delayed last month by Hurricane Irma — kicks off today at 11 a.m. sharp.

The event comes as Atlanta Magazine has honored the building with as a finalist for its 2017 Groundbreaker Awards. According to the magazine:

With designs led by Atlanta’s Lord Aeck Sargent and Seattle’s Miller Hull Partnership, Georgia Tech’s Living Building will take its name literally, generating more energy (via photovoltaic panels) and capturing more water (with a large, underground cistern that stores rainwater) than it uses. Its 43,500 square feet of programmable space will include a 170-seat auditorium, two 75-seat classrooms, seminar rooms, labs, a maker’s space, cafe, and student commons, all topped by a rooftop garden and aviary. Its composting toilets will use tiny amounts of water, and its heating-and-air system will modulate itself.

Consistent with the restorative nature of the Living Building project, the event at the building site at First Avenue and State Street on the Georgia Tech campus is a “launch” rather than a “groundbreaking.” Among the scheduled speakers are Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson and Kendeda Fund Executive Director Dena Kimball. After brief remarks and recognition project partners, the fun will begin: There will be tastings of locally produced food, as well as the opportunity to learn more about the project at “engagement stations.”

For a closer look at the project itself, check out this detailed slideshow. The Living Building at Georgia Tech is being funded through a major commitment by the Kendeda Fund, which also publishes the Living Building Chronicle as part of an outreach effort intended to spread the word about regenerative design and construction. We hope to see you this morning!