Sustainability Base will be a research facility for studying sustainability on Earth and is designed to achieve LEED platinum certification.

Green features of Sustainability Base will include complete heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems utilizing ground source heat pumps; solar hot-water systems; and an advanced lighting system.

In addition to the structure, the project also includes site preparation, utilities, installation of 72 geothermal wells, parking, California native landscaping, hardscaping and the development of a stormwater management system.

In order to achieve sustainability, the building will have zero net energy consumption and use 90% less potable water than conventionally built buildings. Once complete, Sustainability Base is expected to be the greenest and highest-performing building in the federal government’s portfolio.

AECOM of San Francisco is the architect of record with William McDonough & Associates, also of San Francisco, as design architect.

Construction of the building is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.