Sep 30 2009
Commercial construction contractor BCCI has announced the completion of an innovative commercial interiors project for one of the nation's oldest urban recycling companies.
BCCI worked closely with waste collector Recology Inc. and with POLLACK architecture to achieve Recology's vision of incorporating green building design and extensive recycling -- used in products ranging from the artwork to the counter tops -- in its new headquarters at 50 California Street.
BCCI provided construction and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) consulting services for the 19,400 square-foot, full-floor build-out that ultimately achieved the Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. In addition to standard low-flow water fixtures in the restrooms and energy efficient lighting and control systems, BCCI diverted over 75% of all construction waste from the landfill to help achieve the sustainability goals of Recology (formerly known as Norcal Waste Systems Inc.).
One of the many special characteristics of Recology's space is its artwork which was created by local artists using materials recovered from San Francisco's waste stream.
"It was a pleasure to work with a client that is so highly committed to the principles of sustainability," said Alex Spilget, sustainability manager at BCCI. "The artwork created from salvaged landfill scraps represents just one of many environmental aspects of the project that helped achieve LEED-CI Gold for Recology."
The 50 California Street location was chosen due to its close proximity to public transportation and its ability to provide daylight and views to the outdoors. Specific green initiatives include Green Label Plus carpet containing 60% recycled content, recycled cork and linoleum flooring, backsplash material is 100% coconut shell, and recycled concrete was used for the counter tops.
Source: http://bcciconst.com/