California Department of Public Health Building: Richmond, CA

Proving Performance

The California Department of Public Health's Building P has been demonstrating since 2005 that sustainable design benefits taxpayers, building users and the environment. The project helped drive California toward requiring LEED certification for all new state buildings. Building P continues to improve its performance, using 37.6 kBtu/ ft² yr and receiving an ENERGY STAR rating of 98 in 2010. Energy savings have come through operational changes identified during commissioning, a program that places computers into sleep mode and a demand response program that reduces demand charges. Concrete walls provide thermal mass and serve as the primary interior finish, saving both money and resources.