SF Environment Awarded LEED® Platinum Commercial Interior
Vision
SF Environment viewed the move as an opportunity to create an environmentally sustainable, healthy and productive workplace that supports the well being of staff and visitors, and serves as an example to other City departments, partners, and stakeholders.
Goal
LEED®1 Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council®2 was established as a primary goal from the beginning of the project because it sets stringent guidelines to build a in a way that is environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, and beneficial for human health. The department made a priority to deliver the project on schedule and within budget.
ACTERRA Award
Acterra has announced the recipient of the 2014 Business Environmental Award for Sustainable Built Environment:
Water - 47% more efficient than a conventional office
Dwindling water resources in California make water efficiency and conservation increasingly important. SF Environment's water use is projected to be 47 percent less than a conventional office. Proper selection of high efficiency toilets, urinals, and faucets save water without compromising performance.
Energy - 30% more efficient than a conventional office
Energy-using systems in SF Environment's office include heating, ventilation, cooling (HVAC), lighting, and appliances. All are specified and controlled for optimum efficiency and minimum energy cost. HVAC systems are appropriately zoned and controlled. Lighting design and controls reduce energy use. All appliances, computers, and printers are EPA Energy Star rated.
Materials - 37% materials recovered
SF Environment's construction materials and finishes were specified to maximize reuse of existing materials. New materials focused on items that were sourced regionally and harvested sustainably, contain recycled content, and have No/Low VOC emissions.
- 37% of office materials were manufactured using recycled material
- 70% of the wood is Forest Stewardship Council certified as sustainably harvested
- 57% of the furniture and furnishings were re-used or salvaged
- 98% of all construction waste was diverted from landfill to recycling.
Floorplan + Views - 93% more natural light
SF Environment's office features broad windows on three sides of the building allowing 93 percent of staff to have generous daylight and views. The window glass is treated with a clear selective coating that deflects heat, saving energy required for cooling the office space. Window shades help reduce glare and increase comfort in the perimeter areas. Interior spaces that are dominated by natural daylight (not direct sunlight or glare) are dynamic and alive compared to those that are artificially lit. Outdoor views give employees a "visual break" and natural eye exercise by allowing the focus to go momentarily from near to far. Views of greenery and vegetation connect people with nature and instill a sense of peace and belonging. Natural daylight also reduces the need for artificial lighting, resulting in energy savings.
Location - Easy access to public transport
Buildings located in dense urban areas that are well-served by public transit reduce commuting times, traffic congestion, and pollution. SF Environment’s office is located near City Hall and is within steps of the municipal light rail, numerous bus lines, bikeshare pods and BART. SF Environment administers CityCycle, a bike share program for City employees, and offers numerous clean-air transportation programs for employees and the public. The department’s lease includes a large, secure cage for bike parking in the building’s parking garage.
Footnotes:
1. LEED® or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is a green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices. LEED® is helping buildings around the world save energy, water, resources and money, while amplifying human health and well-being.
2. The U.S. Green Building Council® (USGBC®) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to a prosperous and sustainable future for our nation through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings.