Sustainability in Construction at SBC

Efficient windows, smart lighting, and beautiful “green walls.” These are some of the sustainable approaches we’ve worked with and brought to fruition. When approaching any project in collaboration with the architect and other stakeholders, we always look for ways to help fulfill their vision. In this article, we take a look at an overview of sustainable construction techniques we have used in the past.

Reusing Materials

We’ve worked with reused materials on many of our projects. For example, on 100 Altair, the soil from our four-story-below grade garage excavation was offhauled to Eden Landing for levee restoration by our grading contractor Graniterock who was working on a levee restoration project.

• On our Cannery Project in Campbell, bricks were salvaged from walkways to reuse on the facade wall.
• At 170 State Street, a recycled fence and seats from the Hollywood Bow were integrated into the final build.
• 237 Moffet Park incorporated siding that was recycled from the Moffet field Zeplin hangers.

Green Wall

We installed a beautiful green wall at 2555 Park and are currently installing a massive two-story green wall at 100 Altair.

Green walls have a host of benefits. There is an energy efficiency component due to cooling provided through shading. They also clean air, dampen sound, help with people’s physical and mental well being, and they bring beauty in a space efficient way, since many current construction projects are zero lot line builds. Plus, what’s more welcoming than a bit of nature when you walk in through the front door.

Local Suppliers

On many of our projects, when appropriate, we take advantage of our relationships with local suppliers. This reduces travel time and the excess pollution that can occur as a result of transporting supplies over long distances. Plus, it’s always wonderful to work with the Bay Area construction community.

Use What’s Already There

Sometimes our work involves transforming what is already in the space. At 170 State Street, for example, the 70-year-old concrete floor was excellent. The client wanted to take advantage of that, so we sanded and polished it with three coats of semigloss finish, and the finished project exceeded expectations. Also, at the same 170 State Street location, at the main restaurant building, we exposed the existing hand welded and oval shaped steel beams, and painted them black.

There’s this wonderful quality of nostalgia that comes from repurposing and improving upon what’s already there, especially on TI projects, that reminds people of the history of the building that they’re in.

Built with Sustainability in Design

If you’d like to learn more about any of these projects and how South Bay Construction incorporated principles of sustainable design, or if you’d like to inquire about a project of your own, please contact us at (408) 379-5500.