Sustainable Sites

  • The project has implemented erosion and sedimentation control practices to protect the nearby creek
  • The building was constructed in a previously developed area
  • Bicycle storage and shower/changing facilities are available in close proximity to the building
  • The parking lot includes spaces dedicated to low-emitting vehicles and spaces designated as preferred parking for carpools or vanpools
  • A reduced number of parking spaces have been provided, taking advantage of other parking in the campus setting
  • Over half of the site contains native/adapted vegetation
  • Over half of the paved outdoor areas are either shaded or use materials that minimize heat storage during the hot season
  • The building’s metal roof has a high solar reflective index (SRI) to further reduce summer heat gain and cooling loads

Water Efficiency

  • The site includes water-efficient landscaping
  • The building’s restrooms include water-conserving toilets and a waterless urinal

Energy and Atmosphere

  • The project aims to surpass California’s Title-24 standards by a percent cost savings of over 75%, targeting all ten LEED points within credit EA 1: Optimize Energy Performance
  • An estimated 70% to 100% of energy costs (44,285 kWh) are contributed by a 24.4 kW solar photovoltaic array
  • The construction has been intensively “commissioned,” which is a review and verification process to ensure that building components and systems are installed and functioning at their highest potential
  • The building’s energy savings are being measured and verified, and monitoring will continue to ensure long-term performance
  • Electrical energy not generated on site will be purchased from a certified renewable energy generator for at least the first few years

Materials and Resources

  • Building materials include those with recycled content, rapidly renewable components (bamboo, cork, etc.), and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified sustainably grown and harvested wood
  • The use of vinyl in the building was minimized owing to the impacts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to environmental and human health throughout all phases of its life cycle
  • In order to minimize long-term maintenance, the use of exterior wood exposed to weathering was avoided. The only exterior wood occurs in the roof soffits, which are not exposed to sun and rain.
  • An estimated 96.5% of construction waste was diverted from disposal
  • Programs are being established to maximize recycling of glass, metals, paper, cardboard and plastic in building operations

Indoor Environmental Quality

  • Construction practices were implemented to minimize air system contamination by dust and moisture, and a “flush out” of outside air cleared the spaces of materials off-gassing
  • The building is ventilated to a substantially greater extent than what is required, and both air flow and carbon dioxide levels are monitored
  • Smoking is not permitted in the building or within 25 feet of any entry or window opening
  • Adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, composite wood and carpets used in the project meet material emissions/indoor air quality testing standards
  • Walk-off mats at entryways and high-efficiency filters in the ventilation system are designed to capture and control pollutants
  • Lighting throughout the building is designed to be controlled by each individual or group occupying the workspace
  • Each office and workspace includes temperature controls and/or operable windows to suit the preference of each individual or group
  • All areas of the building benefit from ample daylight and outdoor views

Innovation and Design

  • A green building case study, brochure and website have been developed
  • A green cleaning program is being implemented, including a green operations manual, cleaning product recommendations and training for the Tribe’s maintenance staff