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Sustainable Food Finds Home in Sustainable Building

1/18/2010 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2010
Contact: Jordan Pierce
O: 510.550.8176 C: 510.593.5785
Jack London Market Building Achieves LEED Silver Certification

Oakland, CA – Ellis Partners LLC and Transbay Holdings today announced that the Jack London Market building has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The recognition acknowledges an array of initiatives undertaken during construction and in the building’s daily operation, from building materials to energy efficiency. The building’s green practices directly align with its use as a regional destination for quality, sustainable food. The Jack London Market becomes only the fourth building in Oakland to attain a LEED Silver certification “Whether it’s eating farm-to-table or supporting responsible fishing practices, values of sustainability are at the heart of the Bay Area’s unique food culture,” said Jim Ellis, Managing Principal of Ellis Partners LLC, which along with Transbay Holdings LLC is undertaking a $375 million redevelopment of Jack London Square. “We’re passionate about providing an environment that reflects this ethos and LEED certification is a critical component.”

In achieving certification, the Jack London Market earned 32 of the 28 points necessary, exceeding requirements in many areas of evaluation. Energy efficiency in the building is 15% above California standards. One hundred percent of materials, including wood, paint, adhesives and coatings were specified as low emitting and urea-formaldehyde-free, eliminating common contaminants in the workplace. Rather than going to landfills, 85% of construction waste was diverted to recycling facilities. This commitment to sustainability extends even to the cleaning products used by janitorial staff in the building, all of which will be free of toxins. “Incorporating green practices into our construction and building operations makes sense ethically and it makes sense financially,” added Ellis. “For both the Market and the Class A office space above, this is a tremendous amenity to offer the many Bay Area businesses that maintain a commitment to environmental responsibility.”

The Jack London Market is the centerpiece of a $375 million, one million square foot redevelopment that includes restaurants, entertainment, new parking facilities, and Class A office space. The new Jack London Square will enhance the Oakland waterfront and celebrate the revival of a dining district. The 60,000 square foot Jack London Market is scheduled to open in 2010 and will house small businesses selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, cheeses and specialty products with an emphasis on local and sustainable practices. In addition to the public market, the building will house 100,000 square feet of Class A office space.
The building is designed by Steve Worthington in association with RMW Architecture. Howard S. Wright Constructors was the contractor for the project.

Sustainability measures include:
Reducing Consumption
• Energy efficiency 15% over California standard practice
• Low-flow water fixtures were installed to reduce water usage by 40%
• High performance window coatings reduce energy use while maintaining natural light and views to the interior spaces.

Saving Resources
• 85% of construction waste was diverted to recycling facilities
• 85% of the wood products were selected from suppliers using responsible forest management through FSC Certification.
• 33% of the total building materials have been manufactured using recycled materials gaining the project a status of exemplary performance by the USGBC.

Improving Indoor Air Quality
• 100% of materials including wood, paint, adhesives and coatings were specified as low emitting and urea-formaldehyde free eliminating common contaminants in the workplace.
• Air handling systems were designed to provide 30% greater fresh air with air filtration to occupied spaces over standard practice
• On-site janitorial staff will use green products eliminating toxins and chemical exposure.

For more information visit www.ellispartners.com

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