The certification marks SmithGroup’s 30th LEED certified project and the third certified project in the Bay Area. LEED certification of the SmithGroup office was based on a number of green design and construction features that positively impact the project itself and the broader community.
The 36,000-square-feet office sits on the top two floors of Bently Reserve in San Francisco’s Financial District. A teak wood, reclaimed from sunken ships, steel and glass staircase links the floors.
The design intentionally uses the least amount of materials and resources, instead highlighting the beauty of the raw space. While the minimalist design didn’t garner any additional LEED points for the materials and resources it chose not to use, the exposed steel beams, concrete slab floors and brick walls to maintain the building’s historic past.
A 3,000 square feet terrace, planted with low-water native grasses and wild strawberry, reduces storm water runoff and filters airborne toxins while providing a getaway for employees.
Furthermore, operable windows provide natural ventilation and personal comfort for staff. These expansive windows also allow daylight to blanket the office, while the Lutron EcoSystem, a self-adjusting artificial lighting system that is controlled by photo-sensors featured on each individual light fixture, supplements the natural light.
More than the design, throughout construction, SmithGroup worked with San Francisco-based BCCI Construction Company to minimize negative construction impacts. BCCI diverted more than 80% of on-site construction waste from the landfill and used more than 30% regional materials manufactured within 500 miles of the office.
LEED verifies environmental performance, occupant health and financial return. LEED was established for market leaders to design and construct buildings that protect and save precious resources while also making good economic sense.
SmithGroup’s San Francisco office has also received the 2008 IIDA Northern California Chapter awards of merit for sustainability and honor for workplace design.
