A California first, The Energy Foundation's offices in the Bently Reserve have received LEED-CI Platinum Certification.

The unique and sustainable space is a flawless fit for the company, which is a partnership of philanthropic investors that promotes innovative clean-energy technologies. BCCI Builders and TannerHecht Architecture completed the construction with recycled and renewable materials, using advanced energy-efficient lighting, mechanical, and climate control systems.

In an article published in California Construction, Alex Spilger, the sustainability manager of BCCI, says "this is an enormous acknowledgement for everyone involved. Not only is BCCI honored to have contributed to The Energy Foundation's significant office space, but we thoroughly enjoyed working with the client and TannerHecht Architecture to deliver the vision of this project."

The unique floor plan allows nearly every occupied space to receive direct light from the large exterior windows, and daylight harvesting and lighting control systems reduce lighting power density by 45%, while new efficient fixtures achieve a 59% water use reduction over EPA performance requirements.

The Bently Reserve provided the perfect palette with which to design this space: the 1924 building served as the first Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and is known for its stately Beaux-Arts architecture — in fact, the Energy Foundation wanted to celebrate this rich history by highlighting the best of both classic and contemporary design.

The building's lofty ceilings and light-filled spaces were a perfect fit for the Energy Foundation's ambitious project, which included the need to accommodate 25 offices, 42 workstations, three conference rooms, a boardroom, and informal gathering places.

Finally, the building management is a perfect fit for the company's ethos: owner Bently Holdings has made LEED Silver certification a prerequisite for all leaseholders. The Bently Reserve is delighted that an innovative company on the cutting-edge of sustainable design calls our building home.

Learn more about the the Energy Foundation at their website, and about this project at BCCI Builders.