Golden State Today

The Aggie Square project at the University of California, Davis, is setting new standards in sustainability for commercial developments. The design emphasizes all-electric energy sources and reduces the carbon footprint by using locally produced materials. These efforts align with the ambitious sustainability goals of the University of California system.

Blake Coren from ZGF Architects highlights that this commitment to sustainability stems from a partnership between Wexford Science and Technology and UC Davis. "This is Wexford’s biggest project to date, and what’s really special about it is the partnership with UC Davis, which elevated the development from a design standpoint," Coren stated.

Aggie Square aims to achieve LEED gold status, surpassing UC's silver standard. Paul Erickson of Affiliated Engineers notes that its all-electric approach is unique at this scale in the country. "I wouldn’t say it’s a unicorn of a building, but it is really the leading edge of what we're seeing nationally for complex buildings at this scale," Erickson said.

Innovative features like efficient heat pumps and exhaust air heat recovery are designed for Sacramento's climate, reducing water usage significantly compared to typical lab buildings. Coren adds that sustainability also involves user experience and equity: “When we think sustainability, I always like to think about user experience and equity. That's a really huge part of this project,” she mentioned.

Shared spaces promote collaboration, while public areas are designed for comfort with shade and seating suitable for Sacramento's climate. Mature trees and drought-tolerant plants support urban forestry goals. "We weren’t just selecting things that exist around the city now, but things that are also going to work with a changing climate into the future," Coren explained.

Aggie Square's integrated design reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainability, preparing it for future environmental challenges.