Case Studies
City of San José Municipal Green Building Program
San José’s commitment to green building began in November 1998 when the City Council approved the creation of a Green Building Taskforce. Subsequently, the City’s Green Building Program was established in 2001, and with its launch, San José began and continues to build a legacy of “firsts” in green building:
- First city in Santa Clara County to adopt a municipal Green Building Policy (2001)
- First public library certified by U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) - West Valley Branch Library (2004)
- First and only city in the nation to participate in the USGBC’s Portfolio Program Pilot (2007)
- First city in Santa Clara County to adopt a Green Building Policy requiring mandatory certification for private sector projects based on project type and size (2008)
- First municipal building in the nation to achieve USGBC LEED-EB (Existing Building) Platinum certification - San José City Hall (2009)
The municipal Green Building Policy was updated in 2007 to require all building projects constructing or adding more than 10,000 square feet of occupied space (as defined in the adopted building code) be designed and constructed to achieve at a minimum the USGBC LEED Silver level of certification with a goal of reaching LEED Gold or Platinum.
LEED Certified Municipal Projects
The number of projects certified through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Rating System is growing. A list of the buildings that have completed the requirements for certification are available on the USGBC Project List web site. Also available on the site is a list of projects registered with the intent of earning LEED certification.
By incorporating green building practices into its buildings, San José can demonstrate measurable energy efficiency, water conservation and improved air and water quality – which contribute to improving the environment and reducing costs.
Environmental Services Building – LEED® Gold for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 The Environmental Services Building (ESB) is located at the 2,600-acre San Jose/Santa Clara Waste Water Treatment Plant on Zanker Road. ESB consists of a Lab Wing and an Office Wing connected by a large circular atrium ESB houses the laboratories and offices for City staff responsible for monitoring, analyzing and processing all water coming in for treatment before being discharged to the Bay or transformed into recycled water. ESB was certified LEED Gold by earning all 19 points available for optimization of energy performance.
San José Airport North Concourse and Terminal B – LEED® Silver for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport North Concourse (2010) and Terminal B (2011) were each awarded LEED for New Construction Silver Certification. Green features for the buildings include natural daylighting, occupancy sensors for lighting, a programmable lighting control system, high efficiency programmable “smart” heating and cooling system, energy-conserving windows, a high-efficiency ventilation system, recycled construction materials, and water conservation measures that result in 75% less water used than in a similar, conventional building.
Learn more about the green features of these buildings
Edenvale Great Oaks Community Center – LEED® Gold for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Edenvale Community Center is the result of a collaboration of the City of San Jose, San Jose Redevelopment Agency and Oak Grove School District. This joint-use facility offers a wide range of programs for all ages.
East San José Carnegie Branch Library – LEED® Silver for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Opened in 1908, the East San José Carnegie Branch Library is the last operating public library donated by the Carnegie family in the city. Designated as a City Landmark and listed on the national and state historic registries, it features a renovated historic building and a modern architectural addition.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo – LEED® Gold for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Happy Hollow Park & Zoo has offered conservation-centered outdoor adventure for the whole familiy since its opening in 1961. It is the first amusement park and zoo to earn LEED© Gold certification for its four acre expansion, including new buildings, rides and exhibits.
Mayfair Community Center – LEED® Certified for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 The Mayfair Community Center offers a wide range of educational programs in English and Spanish, as well as recreational opportunities for all ages. The neighboring community garden is the oldest and largest in San José.
Roosevelt Community Center – LEED® Gold for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Located in Roosevelt Park east of downtown San José, the Roosevelt Community Center offers a wide range of recreational and educational programs for all ages, making it a cornerstone of the neighborhood.
Starbird Youth Center – LEED® Silver for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 The Starbird Youth Center in Starbird Park— both named after San Jose's 52nd mayor George Starbird—was completed in 2007. Starbird benefits the community by providing a safe gathering place for youth to learn and socialize.
San José City Hall – LEED® Platinum for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance™
 San José City Hall was the first city hall in the nation to achieve LEED Platinum Certification for Existing Buildings. The 18-story structure is also the largest LEED-certified municipal building in San José.
Camden Community Center – LEED® Certified for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Camden Community Center offers a wide range of recreational and educational programs for all ages, making it the physical fitness and learning hub of the neighborhood.
San José Fire Station No. 35 – LEED® Silver for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Fire Station No. 35 serves the City's Edenvale neighborhood, one of the most culturally diverse areas in California according to the 2010 Census. Completed in 2007, the station benefits the community by reducing emergency response times.
San José Central Service Yard – LEED® Silver for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 The Central Service Yard is the City's largest materials, vehicle and equipment storage and
maintenance facility. Building F is the maintenance headquarters for the City's fleet of vehicles. Building G houses the main office for the City's Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services staff.
San José West Valley Branch Library – LEED® Certified for New Construction & Major Renovations™
 Located on the southeast corner of Saratoga Avenue and San Tomas Aquino Road, West Valley Branch Library is the City of San Jose's first LEED certified municipal building and was the first LEED certified public library in the world.
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