Matthew Millman Photography
San Francisco University High School
San Francisco, CA
Business Type
New high school campus development
Size
48,000 square feet
Architect
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects
Owner
San Francisco University High School
Certifications
- Pursuing Net-Zero Energy
- Pursuing LEED Platinum
All-electric campus designed to achieve net-zero carbon performance.
The San Francisco University High School expansion sets a new benchmark for low-carbon academic buildings, combining an all-electric design with on-site renewable energy to achieve net-zero carbon operations. Through an integrated approach to energy, carbon, and water, the project reduces environmental impact while supporting a high-performance learning environment.
Special Features
- Net-zero carbon operations supported by onsite solar and low energy demand.
- A 212 kW photovoltaic (PV) array contributes to the project's goal of net-zero Energy.
- The project achieved nearly 50% water savings through a 10,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system and water-efficient fixtures.
- A climate-responsive design approach to the envelope optimized for comfort and energy performance, and reduced heating and cooling loads.
- All-electric MEP systems eliminates on-site fossil fuel use.
- Whole-building life cycle assessment guiding carbon reduction strategies, with an ultra-low operational carbon (~0 MT CO₂e/year with offsets).
- 10,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system and water reuse strategies.
- High-efficiency systems coordinated within a constrained urban site.
Whole-Building Carbon Reduction (Embodied and Operational)
A whole-building life cycle assessment informed key design decisions, enabling significant reductions in embodied carbon while simultaneously driving ultra-low operational emissions. This integrated approach balances immediate and long-term carbon impacts across the building’s lifespan.
Net-Zero Carbon + All-Electric Strategy
The building’s all-electric systems, paired with a 212 kW photovoltaic array, are designed to achieve net-zero carbon operations by minimizing energy demand and offsetting remaining loads with on-site renewables. This approach positions the campus to perform even better as the electrical grid continues to decarbonize.
