Natalie Gubb Commons

Keeping to its mission of creating stable, vibrant, and healthy communities, Mercy Housing California set out to build and strengthen healthy communities through quality, affordable, service-enriching housing for individuals and families in San Francisco’s East Cut neighborhood. In alignment with these goals, Natalie Gubb Commons achieved GreenPoint Rated (GPR) Platinum certification, making it one of the highest-rated affordable multifamily GPR projects at the time of certification. One of the first blocks to be completed in the Transbay Redevelopment area, this healthy mixed-use urban space supports environmental, occupant, and community well-being while keeping families working, living, and playing together in San Francisco.

At a Glance

Client:Mercy Housing California

Location:San Francisco, CA

Industry:Multifamily

Size:123,167 SF

Project Team:Mercy Housing California (Owner)Santos Prescott and Associates (Architect) Cahill Contractors (General Contractor)

Certifications:GreenPoint Rated (Platinum)

Solutions:

GreenPoint Rated Consulting (GPR)
Title 24 Energy Modeling
Commissioning
Photovoltaic System Feasibility Study

The Challenge

Stok was brought on by Mercy Housing early in the SD phase to guide ownership and the project team in outlining the path to meet the project’s sustainability and energy efficiency goals. Specifically, Stok:

Guided the project’s GPR Platinum Certification pursuit
Provided Title 24 energy modeling to identify prioritized energy efficiency measures
Provided whole building commissioning to ensure systems operated as designed
Conducted a photovoltaic system feasibility study

Rory McKenna

Project Manager, Cahill Contractors

“We coordinated with Stok for the GreenPoint Rated application for a multi-unit housing project on which we were the General Contractor. Stok were detailed and responsive throughout the project in clarifying the requirements of the application process. With their assistance, the project exceeded expectations and achieved GPR Platinum Certification.”

By the Numbers

Reduction in Energy Usage Compared to Baseline

41%

Reduction in Water Usage Compared to Baseline

19%

Solid Waste Diverted from Landfill

41tons

CO2 Emissions Avoided

120tons

Estimated Annual Savings Per Unit on Gas and Electric

$285

The Solution

PRIORITIZED ENERGY EFFICIENCY MEASURES

The project strongly focused on high efficiency HVAC systems, cost effective lighting fixtures and controls, and renewables in its pursuit of GPR Platinum. Stok conducted an Energy Performance Options Report to simultaneously analyze loads and energy costs with current design conditions, then suggested opportunities to reduce the project’s energy costs, increase energy efficiency, and maximize state incentives. Based on this analysis, Stok recommended the following high-impact, cost-effective energy efficiency measures:

- Use high-performance, low-e glazing with a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.23 or lower
- Target a Lighting Power Density (LPD) of 25% below Title 24 in common areas
- Install two solar hot water systems to offset a minimum 40% of Domestic Hot Water (DHW) load
- Install economizers for child care and community rooms

WHOLE-BUILDING COMMISSIONING

Additionally, Stok performed whole building commissioning, a quality control process to provide documented confirmation ensuring all building systems function according to design intent and the owner’s operational needs. This aligned with the program’s sustainability goal of long-term durability in all systems and materials selection.

Photo credit: Michael O’Callahan