Iconic Transamerica Pyramid earns LEED-EB Platinum status

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by Shane Henson — November 2, 2011—San Francisco, California’s Transamerica Pyramid has long been an icon because of its towering height and eye-catching design, and its recent achievement of LEED-EB Platinum status—the highest level possible awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council—has made it an icon of sustainability as well.

The property owner, Transamerica Pyramid Properties, the building management team of Cushman & Wakefield, and BuildingWise, a LEED certification consultant, were able to achieve the platinum certification through the following accomplishments:

  • An impressive boost in the building’s Energy Star rating from a score of 77 in 2009 to the latest score of 98 places the building in the top two percent of energy-efficient buildings in the nation.
  • An onsite co-generation plant produces on average 70% of the building’s electricity and 100% of heating and domestic hot water needs, saving the Transamerica Pyramid an average of $700,000 a year in energy costs.
  • The Transamerica Pyramid has reduced combined expenses for gas, electricity, and water by over $2.5M in the past four years.
  • Due to a successful recycling and compost program, the Transamerica Pyramid has reduced costs for waste collection by 73% in the past three years and has a waste diversion rate of 70%.
  • The building’s unique pyramidal shape and light-colored façade have the same benefits as a cool roof with an SRI rating of 62. This reduces both building cooling loads and the urban heat island effect.
  • The single occupancy vehicle rate is a mere 13% due to the use of alternative transportation (carpooling, walking, public transportation, and cycling), exceeding the goals set forth in LEED. To encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation, the building provides indoor bicycle storage and locker rooms with showers for tenant use.