Sunnyvale’s new, eco-friendly City Hall is now open to the public. The four-story, 117,000-square-foot building is certified LEED Platinum Net Zero Energy, making it the country’s first all-electric city hall built to LEED platinum standards. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, recognizes achievements and leadership in sustainability.
According to the City, the building was designed around the sun to reduce energy use. The building utilizes 100 percent LED lights, which are energy efficient, and large windows and skylights to optimize daylight. The City also installed over 1,600 solar panels, which it estimates will be enough to power 103 homes annually. Other features of the new building can be found here.
Construction began in December 2020, and work is still underway, including completing the council chambers. When construction on the new City Hall wraps up, the old City Hall and other Civic Center buildings will be torn down. After the demolition, a public grand opening of the new City Hall will be held on September 23.
According to the City, approximately 6 acres of open space will replace the old City Hall, including walking trails and an amphitheater.
The City Hall construction is part of Sunnyvale’s larger Civic Center Master Plan, a 20-year, multi-phased vision of the entire campus on the corner of El Camino Real and Mathilda Avenue. The plan includes a new Public Safety Emergency Operations Center addition, a new library, increases in open space and native landscape, and the addition of underground parking on the campus.
For more information and updates on the project, visit the City of Sunnyvale’s website.