In this Daily Iowan article, it's noted that the new Seamans Center Annex focuses on the importance of sustainability. At the top of the building, there are two bioswales that assist in slowing down storm water that comes off the building and filters it before it goes into the storm-sewer system.

The UI has installed monitoring in order to take measurements on pollutants in the water, which allows students to study the process.

Scranton said the building is essentially “using nature’s natural cleansing process with plants.”

Additionally, the building has 234 solar roof panels that can produce approximately 76,000 kWh of energy every year.