Integral Group | Deep Green Oakland Office

The Integral Group’s Deep Green office project is an innovative remodeling of commercial office space in a 1930s Art Deco Era building. The office space, located in Oakland, California, serves as the office for Integral Group’s East Bay location.

The design is intended to be a proof of concept to demonstrate how careful planning and sustainable design techniques can achieve high-energy efficiency and high comfort for occupants using current technologies at an affordable price. The office space demonstrates our commitment to designing practical, affordable, and highly resource-efficient buildings. The design was accomplished at a very low cost of $25 per ft², achieved a 37% total energy reduction with highly energy efficient mechanical and lighting systems, and realized a 40% water usage savings with carefully designed plumbing systems.

The project holds a LEED Platinum rating (CI 2009) with 102 out of a possible 110 points, which at this time is the world’s highest score. The office is also certified as an Alameda County Green Business. The remodel was completed in July 2010 and covered 16,000 ft². Approximately 13,000 ft² is office workstation and conference room space, while the remaining areas are allocated to ancillary spaces such as restrooms, kitchenettes, and storage areas.
Energy Efficiency

The project uses 37% less energy than a typical US office building of its size compared to California’s Title 24 Energy Efficiency Code. These savings were realized through a high-efficiency natural gas-fired boiler and ventilation air handler. Natural ventilation supplemented by personal desktop fans and night-time purging eliminates mechanical air conditioning in virtually all spaces. Energy-efficient lighting is controlled by daylighting and occupancy sensors throughout. Energy efficiency gains were provided by combining HVAC, lighting, and plug load design strategies and technologies.