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
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Nov 14, 2016
Soccer stadium from Zaha Hadid Architects will be constructed almost entirely of wood
The architects say the project will be the greenest soccer stadium in the world once completed.
![Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/OPENERHoffmann9.jpg?itok=uE70VdED "Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]")
Green | Oct 27, 2016
Applying modern energy codes to building envelope retrofits [AIA course]
When applying current energy codes to existing buildings, a number of issues arise, particularly where the building exterior is concerned, writes Hoffmann Architects' Bradley Carmichael. This AIA CES Discovery course is worth 1.0 AIA CES HSW learning unit.
Green | Oct 12, 2016
Acting as a giant air purifier, this tower could help solve China’s pollution problem
The 23-ft tall tower operates almost entirely on wind energy.
Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016
New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched
GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016
Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives
The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.
Lighting | Oct 6, 2016
Healthcare systems lighting their way to savings
There has been a rapid improvement and availability of LED products as primary light sources in most healthcare facility applications.
Green | Oct 6, 2016
AIA Report: Mixed results in design projects meeting 2030 Commitment targets
More buildings are meeting certain goals, but energy intensity reduction results have flat lined
Green | Oct 6, 2016
GBCI announces arc, a new technology organization to measure and compare green building performance
Arc is a platform that will allow any building to participate and immediately start measuring performance, make improvements, and benchmark against itself.
Green | Oct 4, 2016
The Clear Orb is one of the shortlisted projects for 2016 Land Art Generator Initiative
Designed by Heerim Architects & Planners, The Clear Orb would produce just under 600 million gallons of clean water annually.
