We will set a new bar for climate and water smart development. This cannot be greenwashing — it will set the standard for real, tangible results.
This is how we are going beyond even the goals of San Jose to create sustainable development.
Zero Carbon Westbank Community
Buildings and Construction account for 40% of today’s carbon emissions. In Silicon Valley, we have the opportunity to target deep reductions in embodied carbon on a portfolio wide scale. After reducing embodied and operational carbon emissions through design and construction, we will offset remaining carbon emissions using reliable sources to achieve carbon neutrality. Our approach will prioritize additionality & permanence of carbon offsets.
By purchasing 250,000 tonnes of offsets we can truly create a zero lifecycle carbon campus in Silicon Valley.
Minimize GHGs
Switch to Electric
100% Clean Energy.
Low GWP Refrigerants
Select low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants to reduce system contributions.
Rehabilitate Old Buildings
Apply new technologies and innovative techniques to improve the performance of old buildings instead of building new.
Source from Renewable
To power electric infrastructure, develop renewable sources of energy.
Energy Self-Sufficiency
On-site Storage
Add thermal and electric storage technologies to lower costs / grid impacts.
Enhanced Controls
Digital controls and smart zoning reduces the inefficiencies and optimizes energy performance.
Energy Integration
Take advantage of available area for PV integration or ground-coupled heating and cooling.
Microgrids
Localized group of electricity / heat sources connecting multiple sites.
Energy Sharing
Localized coupling of sites to share and optimize electricity and thermal resources.
Building Design
High Performance
Designing and detailing the envelope with the most advanced and efficient technology for high performance.
Reduce Embodied Energy
Use alternative building materials like mass timber to capture carbon and reduce energy used for construction.
Passive Cooling
Integrate passive systems for occupant comfort and to reduce energy use.
Density
Build in more concentrated areas. Reduce the need for transportation.
Efficient Massing
Design the form of the building to be conscious of its environment.
Minimize Embodied Carbon
The Zero Carbon Community will not only have zero carbon emissions from an operations perspective, it will also have zero embodied carbon. We will first target a 50% reduction across all of our sites through adaptive reuse, efficient design and low-carbon material selections. The remaining 50% will be reduced to 0% through local offset purchases.
Adaptive Reuse of Existing Structures
Adaptive reuse of structures will be deployed to greatly reduce embodied carbon associated with the construction of new buildings.
Efficient Design
Efficient design and advanced building materials will minimize the structural load, as well as lower the amount of materials required during construction.
Low-carbon Material Selection
The use of mass timber will be incorporated into Westbank’s projects, which is considered to have the lowest levels of embodied carbon amongst all structural materials.
Build Electric
Westbank will build all electric buildings in advance of local requirements, purchasing 100% green electricity across all developments.
On-site Solar PV
We will incorporate on-site solar PV across all developments, including the integration of solar panels into green roofs and rooftop amenities.
Harness Wasted Resources
Data centers and offices produce a large amount of waste heat that can be harnessed and repurposed for heating water for residential use. There are several data centers in San Jose that Westbank is investigating to use as a possible source for heat.
Alternative Energy Sources
Westbank is exploring the use of fuel cells, which convert air and gas into electricity via an electrochemical process. When run with renewable natural gas, this process is considered net zero carbon.
Efficient Design
Although building 100% electric with green electricity will eliminate GHG emissions from operating use, Westbank is going beyond current practices to optimize the building design and reduce electricity use. This will ultimately enhance the resilience of the building and lower other environmental impacts of energy use.
Passive Ventilation, Cooling and Lighting
Westbank will capitalize on California’s climate advantage, through strategies such as natural ventilation, passive cooling and natural day lighting. Specific design strategies include operable windows, optimal orientation for solar and wind benefits and horizontal shading structures.
Integrating Vegetation on Structures
Extensive rooftop and vertical landscaping will be incorporated into the design of Westbank’s projects which can provide a range of performance benefits such as reduced urban heat island effect, increased habitat, reduced energy use and water use for active cooling.
Build Smart
The integration of smart building features are essential to realizing the full benefit of Westbank’s sustainability goals and occupant satisfaction.
Smart Building Features
Westbank will be integrating various smart building features into the developments such as automated blinds, lighting controls, windows and smart sensors to monitor flow and water quality of wastewater treatment systems.
Energy Storage
Part of making a smart building is integrating systems to store energy and water to optimize capacity and costs. The deployment of energy storage in Westbank’s projects is an important tool for minimizing usage during peak surges and providing resilience.
Sustainable Mobility
Westbank’s community of projects in San Jose will be designed to accommodate not only today's mobility needs but our mobility and transit requirements far into the future.
Covered / Shaded Public Throughways
Providing pleasant, walkable routes around and through new developments promotes pedestrian traffic.
Electric Vehicle Amenities
Support the use of electric-powered mobility solutions on-site with electric vehicle charging and shade.
Bike Facilities for Residents and Workers
Providing amenities for cyclists promotes sustainable commuting.
Water Sustainability Strategies
It’s not just about energy — water is as much of an issue in California and San Jose.
Minimize Water Use
Minimize water use through low-flow fixtures, on-site treatment, water reuse and water efficient cooling.
Maximize Stormwater
Maximize stormwater capture, reuse and infiltration through green roofs, blue roofs and podiums, on-site storage, and infiltration systems.
Shared Water Management
Coordinate water capture and reuse systems over multiple sites through shared infrastructure.