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SFPUC and mayor tout $170 million green headquarters, promise job creation and ratepayer savings
Summary
At a special SFPUC meeting Oct. 15, 2010, officials announced plans for a consolidated, LEED‑targeted headquarters estimated at $170 million, citing energy and water savings, new construction jobs and financing at about 4.17% 30‑year fixed. Officials said early value engineering reduced costs and that partners will pursue local contractors and manufacturers.
San Francisco officials on Oct. 15 unveiled plans for a new San Francisco Public Utilities Commission headquarters they described as a national example of sustainable public building design. Ed Harrington, general manager of the SFPUC, framed the project as a consolidation of more than 800 staff into a single, energy‑efficient facility intended to reduce operating costs and showcase green technologies.
Mayor Gavin Newsom, who the SFPUC identified as an early proponent, said the project is budgeted at $170,000,000 and will be financed with a 30‑year fixed bond at roughly 4.17 percent. "It's a $170,000,000 project," Newsom said, adding the financing gives the city confidence it can meet project commitments. He also highlighted the building's green features, including photovoltaics, on‑site graywater reuse and two wind‑generation components intended as both energy producers and public demonstrations of emerging technology.
Harrington and contractor representatives said the design will aim for LEED Platinum certification and include significant water‑use reductions. "This building will be using 5 gallons a day per person," Harrington said, contrasting that with an average of about 12 gallons in comparable buildings and noting on‑site recycling and low‑flow fixtures. Webcor representatives and project managers told the commission the team had already identified substantial value‑engineering savings; one contractor said approximately $40,000,000 had been realized through design and cost refinement since involvement.
The presenters tied the headquarters to broader city planning goals, including an emphasis on green jobs and linking the project with other civic sustainability efforts. Officials said the project will create construction work on site and support related trades across the region; the mayor and labor representatives framed the effort as timely given slow private‑sector construction and high unemployment in some trades.
Commissioners and city staff described the project as a demonstration of efficient operations and longer‑term cost savings for ratepayers. Presenters described the timeline and partners but did not ask the commission to take a regulatory vote on the headquarters during this special meeting; rather, the appearance served to announce the project and summarize anticipated benefits and partnerships.
The SFPUC said it intends to pursue local manufacturing partners for some components and will continue public outreach as project details, permits and financing are finalized.
