SANTA MONICA, Calif. - For more than three decades, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has been a leading voice for environmental advocacy in the United States. When the group decided to open a regional office here, they knew it had to be environmentally friendly. The building, named for Robert Redford, actor and long-time environmentalist, would combine cutting-edge technologies and materials with energy-efficient architecture to create a showcase for green building design and promote environmental activism.
The building, extensively remodeled by the NRDC and opened in November 2003, pushes the envelope for environmental design and construction techniques. NRDC reports the building uses up to 60-percent less water than a standard building of its size by capturing and filtering rain, shower, and sink water to irrigate landscaping and operate toilets. It is forecast to reduce electricity consumption by 54 percent by maximizing natural light and using efficient fixtures and appliances, task lighting, dimmable electronic ballasts, occupancy sensors, high-efficiency air conditioning, and extra insulation.