Sustainable Building Case Studies

The Gap, Inc.

Location: 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA
Type of building: Commercial office building
Size (Sq. ft.): 195,000
New construction of a pre-cast concrete and glass office building
Date completed: 1998
Cost: $60 million
Owner: Gap Inc.
Designed By: William McDonough + Partners, Design Architects, Gensler, Interior Designer and Ove Arup & Partners USA, Mechanical, Structural and Electrical Engineers

Sustainable Building Strategies

Native grass roof, raised floors, under-floor ventilation and wiring systems, 30% more energy-efficient than Title 24, daylighting, shading, operable windows, low VOC carpet, certified wood flooring, no added formaldehyde MDF, low VOC paint, recycled-content ceiling tiles, certified wood veneers, recycled-content Café countertops, recycled-content office furniture, and salvaged eucalyptus wood for interior benches.

Lessons Learned

Gap Inc. estimates a four-to-eight year payback period due to energy and operational efficiency measures included in the design.

Information Contact: Maria Moyer-Angus at the environmental office, (415) 427-2212
Web Site: http://www.bayareacouncil.org/bp/bestpractices/bp185.html

Green Building Case Studies

Last updated: January 15, 2008