In keeping up with yesterday’s new urbanism green building theme, the greenest example of that is in Santa Monica.  In fact, the building is so green, that it’s LEED “platinum”-rated; the highest green building standard out there, and bestowed to just a handful of buildings, ever.

Designed by the acclaimed new urbanist firm, Moule & Polyzoides (who we recognized earlier for Del Mar Station), the Robert Redford Building (yes, that Robert Redford) is nestled in a walkable, urban, mixed-use neighborhood next to transit.

The building, home to the Natural Resources Defense Council, is a national model for green building features:

Passive water and energy conservation
- uses 60-75% less energy than buildings its size
- large operable windows, skylights and lightwells bring daylight deep into the building
- sea breezes augment the air conditioning
- special towers vent off heat in the summer

Advanced technologies for energy production and water recycling
- uses 60% less water than most buildings, as low-flow toilets flush themselves with rainwater and wastewater from showers and sinks
- its widely-accepted waterless urinals use no water at all, each one saving 40,000 gallons a year.
- solar cells provide a fifth of the energy used

Renewable and recyclable materials
- the building itself is renovated (‘recycled’)
- 98% of the building’s materials are recyclable
- the floors are made of bamboo because it is a fast-growing wood substitute
- the carpets are made from hemp (firefighters beware)
- all lumber products are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
- building’s exterior appears to be wood but is made of a fiber and cement material

High indoor air quality
- building materials are completely free of formaldehyde and vinyl
- carpeting, paints and other materials have no or low volatile organic compounds
- it’s ventilation system even adjusts for CO2, which is known to cause drowsiness

Image: Tim Street Porter

Would you work in a building like this?  Please comment below…