A Policy to Be Green

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) has delivered credible environmental research since 1994. They have embraced climate friendly practices with a comprehensive approach to green their business and a commitment to promoting their achievements as widely as possible.

In 2008, the renovation of the PPIC interior office was completed and awarded LEED Gold for Commercial Interiors Certification. Their internal Green Committee implemented bicycle parking, a building-wide composting program, and an environmentally preferred purchasing program through “green” vendors and products.

Their climate friendly accomplishments and goals are shared by all employees and tenants of the office building at 500 Washington in San Francisco. PPIC regularly reports on these successes with clients, employees, and the general public through their website, article submissions, and displays of their awards and certifications.

What Actions did Public Policy Institute of California Take to Save Energy?

In their quest for sustainable building operations, PPIC reduced annual natural gas usage and electricity usage by 50% and 25%, respectively, in their 8-story office building in downtown San Francisco. PPIC has strived to achieve controllability of systems and thermal comfort compliance. Additionally, PPIC uses natural lighting and provides views for over 75% of the office space. This has been accomplished by using strategies promoted by the San Francisco Green Business Program as well as the Small Business Toolkit provided by the CoolCalifornia.org website.

What actions did Public Policy Institute of California Take to Drive Clean?

PPIC installed bicycle racks in the parking garage and reduced the number of available parking slots in order to encourage employees to use public transportation, carpool, or bike to work. As an incentive to commute, PPIC employees can use tax free dollars towards commuting options or participate in the Zipcar car sharing program.

How Have Public Policy Institute of California’s Efforts Been Recognized?

PPIC is the proud recipient of the Energy Star Award since 2007. In 2009 they received aCoolCalifornia.org Organization of the Year Award in recognition of their efforts to reduce their climate impacts. They are recipients of the LEED certification for positive conservation practices at 500 Washington Street. They were also awarded the Gold LEED Certification for Existing Buildings, Operations & Maintenance for meeting strict environmental standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council, making them unique "double gold" recipients.

“As I like to say to our tenants at 500 Washington, PPIC has truly ‘talked the talk and walked the walk’ as it relates to sustainability.”

-Dennis Rosario, Director, CB Richard Ellis