Washington State University has begun construction of a $52.8 million clean technology laboratory building on its Pullman campus and says it will name the building after a Bellevue, Wash.-based company that made a sizable donation to the school.

President Elson S. Floyd announced that the university’s College of Engineering and Architecture will name the 96,000-square-foot structure being erected at 2001 E. Grimes Way the PACCAR Environmental Technology Building.

At PACCAR Inc.’s request, the university didn’t disclose the amount of money the company donated to the school, describing it only as a major donation.

The new building will be located about two blocks east of Stadium Way, at the southeast corner of east Grimes Way and Lincoln Drive. The university says in a press release that the building is intended to be “a hub for faculty from engineering, the sciences, and allied fields to engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary environmental technology research and education.” It also says the building will be the cornerstone of a new engineering district on its campus.

The building will house research programs involving renewable materials, sustainable infrastructure, water quality, and environment and atmospheric research. It will include a mix of laboratories, student lounges, faculty office space, and an auditorium, the university says.

It will be constructed using renewable materials and technologies developed at WSU, including wood composites, recycled concrete, and pervious pavement. It’s designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification, and will be the “greenest” building to date on WSU’s Pullman campus, the university says.

A groundbreaking for the building took place on March 5 and construction is expected to be completed in October 2015. The design-build team that was awarded the project includes the Seattle offices of Skanska USA Building and LMN Architects.

 “We are very appreciative to PACCAR for its extraordinary gift in support of WSU’s innovative and productive research and education programs,” Floyd said in a press release announcing the donation. “PACCAR is a global technology leader that has generously supported outstanding educational institutions on many continents. We are proud to partner with PACCAR and are confident that this gift will contribute to WSU’s excellence in providing leading-edge science education to our students as well as sparking meaningful technological advances to support Washington’s industries and economy today and in the future.”

Candis Claiborn, dean of WSU’s College of Engineering and Architecture, said, “PACCAR’s generosity will enable university researchers to address energy efficient design and infrastructure, and air and water quality issues. The new shared common space for interdisciplinary research will create a synergy to drive innovation and find new solutions to complex problems that can be transferred to industry for commercialization.”

Claiborn adds, “This extraordinary gift will enable the school to accelerate the establishment of a world-class facility and accomplish WSU’s long-term vision to be a research university that contributes to the prosperity and the economic vitality of our state and region.” 

Mark Pigott, PACCAR’s chairman and CEO, said, “We’re pleased to provide one of the important building blocks to Washington State University in the development of its interdisciplinary environmental technology initiative that will benefit students and the region for many years. PACCAR has recruited excellent employees from WSU for many decades and this investment will provide another strong link in our robust relationship.” 

PACCAR is a Fortune 200 company that designs and manufactures light-medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF nameplates. The company also provides financial services, information technology and aftermarket customer support. 

PACCAR’s commitment is part of the Campaign for Washington State University. Since July 2006, the university says, more than $880 million has been committed to increase support for WSU’s students, faculty, research, and programs.