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Going "Green"

Humane Society Silicon Valley’s (HSSVs) new Animal Community Center is one of the first animal welfare agency in the United States to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Since water and energy comprise roughly 48% of HSSV’s operating costs, we focused on “green” features that would provide substantial savings in operating costs over time: 

• A Photovoltaic solar system generates 40-50 % of the facility’s electricity needs.
• Artificial turf in our dog park and exercise areas to reduce regular watering of natural grass.
• Heat recovery wheels in the HVAC system to capture heating and cooling from ventilation air as it is exhausted and reuse that energy to heat and cool incoming air, thus lowering energy costs while reducing the potential for illness among our animal population.
• High Efficiency Kennel Cleaning System to ensure proper disinfecting of kennels while using only 2.2 gallons of water per minute. Much like a central vacuum in a home, it serves multiple remote locations from one centrally located pumping unit. Natural Light is provided throughout more than 75% of the building due to site placement of the building, large, highly efficient windows, and solar light pipes. Natural sunlight makes both humans and animals healthier and happier while reducing electrical bills. 
• Additional examples of the Design Team’s green vision include: placement of the building to save older trees used for shading the dog park, using donated office furniture, and reusing 90% of the concrete from the old building foundations.

Remediation of a Brownfield Site

To save natural habitat for wild animals, our new Animal Community Center was built on a former industrial site. Lead paint, Freon and mercury in lighting were removed and safely disposed before the old building was demolished with 90% crushed and reused for the new building pad and road beds.

• Photovoltaic solar system to generate 40-50 % on the building’s electricity needs.
• 20-year Power Purchase Agreement provides renewable energy to the grid and lowers operating expenses by capping electrical rate increases. 
• Occupancy sensors manage indoor lights. 
• Stained concrete flooring absorbs and retains preferred temperatures.
• “Cool” roofing material combined with ceiling insulation to reduce A/C and heating demands.
• Double pane windows and R10 insulation reduces escaping heat and cool air.
• Load sensors in printers, computers and desk lights provide energy use feedback.
• Efficient computers and software to run our website and business with less equipment and power.
• Energy Star rated appliances (washers and dryers) to use less energy.

Examples of Water Use Efficiencies include:

• Efficient kennel cleansing system.
• Stained concrete flooring requires less water and chemicals to clean.
• Low flow toilets, sinks, and washing machines.
• Artificial turf in dog parks and exercise areas.
• Landscaping with native plants which grow well in California’s low rain climate require less water.
• Onsite bioswales to capture and naturally cleanse rainwater run-off before it enters the water treatment system, thus reducing the energy needed to clean water supplies.

Preferred Vendor Plan With “Green” Suppliers

HSSV uses a preferred vendor plan with green suppliers who use green cleaners and recycle. We prefer green rated products and purchases, and going ‘paperless’ is an ongoing goal.