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SF Mayor Newsom signs green building legislation

Mayor Gavin Newsom today signed what's being touted as the"nation's most aggressive green building legislation"requiring all new and renovated office buildings to meet minimumgreen standards by 2009 and the highest green standards by 2010.

    The mayor signed the legislation following a tour of the newlyrenovated Matarozzi/Pelsinger Builders headquarters at 355 EleventhSt. in the city's South of Market neighborhood. That building isthe first to receive priority permitting for green building. Underthat program, projects seeking the highest rank of Leadership inEnvironmental Design -- or LEED Gold -- certification get"front of line" privileges during the building permitapplication review.

    Matarozzi/Pelsinger renovated the building for its headquarters andwill occupy the second floor and half of the first floor. Arestaurant is planned for the remainder of the first floor. GastArchitects will occupy additional space in the building.

    The building required significant structural upgrades to make itearthquake-safe. And the roof of the building will include 30-kwsolar panel system and a "living roof" or garden. Thebuilding was designed to make use of natural air ventilationincluding operable windows. Other green accoutrements include solar panel flooring, radiant heating floors, bicycle parking, anddedicated parking spots for alternative-fuel vehicles.