When you ride Link light rail, you’re already making a sustainable choice. Public transit offers a cleaner way to travel while reducing air pollution and GHG emissions.
But the environmental benefits don’t stop there. Sustainability was a guiding principle in the design and construction of the three newest stations in South King County.
These stations were built to serve communities for generations while minimizing environmental impact — and they’ve earned recognition at the highest levels of sustainable infrastructure.
You can check the new stations out when they open on Dec. 6!
Connecting communities with low-carbon choices
The new stations expand regional mobility, linking riders not only to trains but also to buses, ferries, and airports. Bike parking and access improvements make it easier for people to choose active, low-carbon commuting options.
Public art adds another layer of sustainability by celebrating the local environment, with regional artists contributing works that reflect the landscapes and communities the stations serve.
Prioritizing social equity
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s also about people. These stations were designed with universal access in mind, featuring tactile wayfinding paths, Braille signage, and other features to ensure everyone can ride with ease.
Affordable fare programs support youth and low-income riders, while the construction and operation of the stations have added local, living-wage jobs.
Using healthier materials
From the ground up, careful attention was given to the materials used. More than 20% of construction materials included recycled content or sustainable attributes. Over 75% of construction waste was recycled, salvaged, or reused — keeping tons of debris out of landfills.
Durable, nontoxic finishes were selected to minimize long-term maintenance needs and support healthy indoor air quality.
Saving energy and water
The stations are designed to conserve resources every day they’re in operation. Energy-efficient lighting, daylight sensors, and occupancy controls mean that energy use is projected to be up to 18% lower than the national average for similar facilities.
A solar panel system and electric vehicle charging stations provide even more clean energy options at Kent Des Moines and Star Lake Stations.
Water use is also being cut significantly: high-efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce demand by up to a third, while native and drought-tolerant plants support healthy landscapes without heavy irrigation.
Thoughtful design for a better environment
Every detail of the stations’ designs considered the broader environment. Light fixtures are angled downward to reduce light pollution, while light-colored surfaces and tree shading help reduce heat. Excavated soil from construction was reused on site to grade slopes and shape landscape areas.
Even the views were taken into account — station layouts were designed to protect and enhance sightlines for surrounding communities.
Certified for excellence
The sustainability efforts at these new stations have been recognized through national green building certifications:
The overall facilities earned Envision Platinum certification, the highest level acheivable for the leading sustainable infrastructure sustainability rating system.
Federal Way Downtown Station achieved LEED silver certification, meeting rigorous standards for green building.
LEED is the country's most used green building standard administered by the US Green Building Council. Envision is the first comprehensive rating system for sustainable infrastructure.
These certifications demonstrate a commitment not just to moving people efficiently, but to doing so in a way that benefits the environment and the communities we serve.