Sonoma Clean Power (SCP), the public power provider for California’s Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, recently unveiled its new all-electric headquarters. Billed as the world’s first GridOptimal building, the project features an innovative microgrid and intends to go beyond net zero energy standards by reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the state’s electric grid.
Designed by EHDD Architecture, SCP’s new HQ is the initial pilot project for GridOptimal® Buildings Initiative, a joint program of the New Buildings Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council. The program aims to redefine how building design and operations can cost-effectively decarbonize the power grid and support a fully renewable electricity supply.
In Santa Rosa, Calif., the two-year renovation turned a 1979 structure into a building that enables decarbonization of the grid. The all-electric building is powered partially by an on-site solar array, with the rest coming from SCP’s completely renewable and locally generated EverGreen service. The building’s lights, HVAC, water heating, and 23 electric car chargers all draw from the grid only when California has plenty of clean power available. Typically, the battery system charges up midday, when there is abundant solar power. In the evening, the building can use that energy or place it back onto the grid, reducing the reliance on gas power plants.
“Our new headquarters is a ‘test case’ that’s working well, and we want people to know that this can be replicated — that clean electricity and decarbonization are attainable today. We also want people to understand that a 24/7 zero-emissions future for buildings is achievable and practical,” Geof Syphers, CEO, Sonoma Clean Power, said in a statement.
Design began in 2018, with construction completed in 2021. The microgrid installation was finished this year.
On the Building Team:
Owner and developer: Sonoma Clean Power
Design architect: EHDD Architecture
Architect of record: EHDD Architecture
MEP engineer: Guttmann & Blaevoet, with support from Point Energy Innovations
Structural engineer: ZFA Structural Engineers
General contractor: Midstate Construction
Construction manager: Sixth Dimension
![SCP Headquarters ext 2](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SCP%20Headquarters%20ext%202.jpg)
![SCP Headquarters Int](/sites/default/files/inline-images/SCP%20Headquarters%20Interior.jpg)
Related Stories
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Next-gen materials for the built environment, Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial
Architect and materials guru Blaine Brownell reveals emerging trends and applications that are transforming the technological capacity, environmental performance, and design potential of architecture.
Office Buildings | Jun 8, 2017
Take a look at the plans for Google’s new 1 million-sf London campus
Heatherwick Studio and BIG are designing the 11-story building.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Health-generating buildings, Marcene Kinney, Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects
Architects Marcene Kinney and Angela Mazzi share design hacks pinpointing specific aspects of the built environment that affect behavior, well-being, and performance.
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2017
Industry Groups move toward Unified Green Building Model Code in 2018
The effort involves combining ASHRAE's Standard 189.1 with the International Green Construction Code.
Multifamily Housing | May 22, 2017
Zaha Hadid Architects residential development takes a page from a classic Bradbury tale
The buildings are on an elevated platform and the surrounding walkways are suspended so as not to disturb the surrounding ecosystems.
Architects | May 16, 2017
Architecture that helps children fall in love with the environment
The coming decades present a major ecological challenge... so let’s encourage the next generation to do something about it!
Sustainability | May 16, 2017
1.5 million recycled plastic bottles were used to build this nine-story structure in Taipei
The building is made of Polli-Brick, a building material that comes from 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer.
Retail Centers | May 3, 2017
18 Carbon fiber wings grace Foster + Partners-designed Apple Dubai Mall terrace
The store’s large terrace provides views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Green | May 2, 2017
Green buildings don't have to cost more
What impact does sustainable design have on owners with a finite construction budget or developers who won’t own the building after construction?
Sustainability | Apr 20, 2017
The American Institute of Architects select the 2017 COTE Top Ten Awards
In its 21st year, the Top Ten Awards highlight projects that exemplify the integration of great design and great performance.