California Department of Public Health Building: Richmond, CA
The California Department of Public Health's Building P has been demonstrating since 2005 that sustainable design benefits taxpayers, building users and the environment.
Buildings that produce more energy than they consume have moved from concept to increasingly common reality in recent years. But until a few months ago, no general, industry-wide agreement existed as to what exactly defined such a building.
Achieving net zero energy buildings requires knowledge of best real world strategies.
This new standard for green buildings will enable the transition from voluntary guidelines and programs to enforceable criteria that can be used by local, state or federal jurisdictions.
The road to high performing buildings is paved with high expectations — but, ultimately, it is measured performance that shows how energy efficient a building really is.