Photo credit: Tim Street-Porter

Overview

• Location: Santa Monica, CA
• Building type(s): Interpretive Center, Commercial office, Retail
• Renovation of a 1917 building, last renovated in 1975
• 15,000 ft2 (1,390 m2)
• Project scope: 3-story building
• Urban setting
• Completed November 2003
• Rating: U.S. Green Building Council LEED-NC, v.2/v.2.1--Level: Platinum (56 points)

The Natural Resources Defense Council is a national, nonprofit organization of scientists, lawyers, environmental specialists, and public policy experts dedicated to protecting public health and the environment.

The Santa Monica Office, the Robert Redford Building, reflects its surroundings and takes visual cues from nearby California beach bungalows. Among its more striking features is a series of multi-level atria with rooftop monitors that diffuse sunlight and fresh air throughout the building, evoking lighthouses.

In addition to NRDC's office space, the building houses the new David Family Environmental Action Center and the Leonardo DiCaprio e-Activism Zone, both of which are open to the public.

Environmental Aspects

The Robert Redford Building is a gut renovation in downtown Santa Monica, enabling the use of public transportation. Bicycle racks, showers, and changing rooms encourage employees and visitors to bike, walk, or jog to the building.

The building is expected to use far less energy than a conventional building. Approximately 20% of the building's energy needs will be provided by an onsite photovoltaic system; the rest will be wind power purchased through renewable energy credits. Operable windows provide fresh air and natural daylighting, creating a pleasant work environment and reducing energy use.

The building uses treated rainwater and graywater for flushing toilets and watering plants. Dual-flush toilets and waterless urinals help keep water use low.

Materials were selected for their environmental characteristics and their contribution to a healthy indoor environment. The building contains no urea formaldehyde and almost no vinyl (PVC).

Owner & Occupancy

• Owned and occupied by Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Corporation, nonprofit

Building Programs

Indoor Spaces:

Retail general, Lobby/reception, Restrooms, Office, Other

Keywords

Green specifications, Transportation benefits, Water harvesting, Efficient fixtures and appliances, Graywater, Lighting control and daylight harvesting, Efficient lighting, On-site renewable electricity, Salvaged materials, Recycled materials, Certified wood, C&D waste management, Daylighting, Natural ventilation, Ventilation effectiveness, Low-emitting materials, Indoor air quality monitoring