Introduction
The design, construction, and management of real estate have a tremendous impact on our environment, social and economic resources. On a macro level, there are more than 76 million residential buildings and nearly 5 million commercial buildings in the U.S. today. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, these buildings together use 2/3 of all electricity in the U.S., 40% of raw material use globally, 12% of potable water and produce 136 million tons of construction and demolition waste annually. Clearly, the current built environment is highly inefficient and certainly not sustainable.

By the year 2010, it is estimated that another 38 million buildings will be constructed. In Pasadena, we are confronting similar problems: the region is facing an impending water shortage, electricity rates have increased significantly, landfills are full, and green spaces are disappearing. The challenge and opportunity will be to develop our built environment in a manner that reduces overall strain on public infrastructure, produces minimum pollution, uses recycled materials; and increases the comfort, health, and safety of the occupants and community.
 

Main Features
As part of a city-led effort to stimulate economically distressed zones, the project developed in the Expanded Enterprise Zone. Prior to the construction of the Tricom Building, dilapidated bungalows formerly occupied the site. Tax incentives are provided to businesses that develop in these designated zones.

The building looks like a conventional office, however its multi-utility is innovative and unique. The project is called the Tricom building for its 3 commercial use functions: executive suite, showroom, and warehouse space. This design eliminates the need for a company to operate 3 separate locations to run a business.

                          

Designed with a proper orientation on the site, the passive solar design incorporates the majority of the glazing to the north, while minimizing windows and heat gain on the south.

      
            

 

     

The façade is partly composed of glass blocks which allows for day lighting. Moreover, glass blocks have twice the R-value of single pane glazing. Fibrous glass inserts were also used to increase protection from additional heat gain.

Bicycle rack installed on premises to promote alternative transportation for employees and guests

Compliant with LEED, the landscaping features drought-tolerant plants, trees, and shrubs. We established a partnership with Pasadena Water & Power and a local landscape design school to use this site as a prototype for other commercial businesses to observe and hopefully incorporate in their own projects.

Paint throughout building contains no or low volatile organic compounds (VOC).

All lights are energy efficient.

Armstrong ceiling tiles have up to 78% recycled content.