San Francisco’s skyline is iconic, recognized worldwide for its unique structures surrounded by sparkling bays and bridges. And thanks to bold climate action from some of the City’s largest buildings, San Francisco’s cityscape just became even more special.
The Transamerica Pyramid and Chase Center, along with other large downtown properties like 560 Mission Street and Salesforce Tower, have upgraded to 100% renewable electricity through CleanPowerSF, the community choice energy program operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). Each building will be energized by electricity generated entirely from clean sources like solar and wind, such as the solar installation atop the Sunset Reservoir in San Francisco and a wind project in Mojave, California.
Through their commitment to 100% renewable electricity with CleanPowerSF, the Transamerica Pyramid, Chase Center, and 560 Mission Street are leading the way amongst large buildings dotting San Francisco’s downtown and eastern waterfront. While only nine percent of commercial buildings in San Francisco are larger than 50,000 square feet, they account for 73% of commercial building electricity use. By switching to cleaner sources, these businesses and others are reducing emissions from their operations while helping San Francisco reach its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
These businesses are also helping to support the construction of new renewable energy projects and a greener, more reliable grid for California. To date, CleanPowerSF has committed to 470 megawatts of new solar, wind and battery storage projects in the Bay Area and Golden State.
Upgrading to 100% renewable electricity is just one of many commitments to climate action from the Transamerica Pyramid, Chase Center and 560 Mission.
The Transamerica Pyramid, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, is both iconic and sustainable. The building has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum, the highest green building certification possible. LEED recognizes buildings that address carbon energy, water, waste, and other environmental and conservation factors. The building’s unique shape and light-colored façade also helps to keep the building cool both inside and in the surrounding area, minimizing the urban heat island effect.
Chase Center is also recognized by LEED for its environmental excellence, having received a Gold certification in 2020. Chase Center is also a member of the City’s Green Business Program. Prior to opening Chase Center, the Warriors became the first NBA team to sign the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative, which helps supports sports team in achieving goals related to the Paris Climate Agreement.
560 Mission Street is also committed to sustainable practices, having received the highest certification, LEED Platinum for its environmental efforts on site. In addition to using their building resources efficiently, 560 Mission Street hosts an active beehive on the roof and conducts sustainability Lunch and Learns for tenants. 560 Mission Street also earned a 2-star Fitwel certification, is a UL Verified Health Building, has maintained an ENERGY STAR label annually since 2004 boasting a current score of 88, and offers both standard and fast electric vehicle (EV) car chargers.
The SFPUC is proud to partner with business like the Transamerica Pyramid, Chase Center and 560 Mission Street to help San Francisco reach its bold climate action goals. During Earth Month and throughout the year, CleanPowerSF can help businesses and residents go 100% renewable by upgrading their electricity service to SuperGreen. Together, we are making our iconic city a greener, healthier place to live and work.