State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles
Tracy, California

Certified “LEED® Gold” by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) for its energy efficient performance and its use of environmentally responsible design concepts and materials, the recently opened California Department of Motor Vehicles facility in Tracy reflects the state’s strong commitment to sustainable building design.

The 10,000 square-foot, single story DMV facility is the first LEED-Gold-certified building in San Joaquin County. Opened in December, 2008, the Tracy DMV facility incorporates a range of sustainable building materials, energy monitoring building systems, daylighting and glazing systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, water-efficient irrigation, and other features to minimize the facility’s environmental footprint.

Among the environmental features for which the Tracy DMV building earned LEED® certification credits are the use of recycled-content insulation; recycled-content metal roofing, studs, and siding; thermal plastic overlay roofing; acoustic ceilings; and low -VOC paints, sealants, stains, and carpeting.

FSC-certified plywood was used for wall sheathing and cabinets. The roof of the facility incorporates a 10-kilowatt photovoltaic array that generates approximately 14.5% of the building’s total electric needs. The facility’s baseline electricity consumption has been reduced by 21.5% through the use of efficient mechanical and electrical equipment and controls, and through energy-efficient construction of the building envelope which includes extra insulation, low-E glazing on windows, and other features.

The Tracy DMV’s plumbing system is designed to deliver a 42% reduction in baseline water usage. Among the techniques used for reducing water consumption is the inclusion of low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and waterless urinals, which effectively evacuate liquid waste while saving on liter of water per use.

To reduce the heat island effect, LDA Partners, LLP’s design provides for vegetated open space on 25% of the site, incorporates light-reflective paving, a shaded parking area at the vehicle inspection canopy, and planting of mature specimen trees to provide for shading of the paved parking area. (The term "heat island" describes built up areas that are hotter than nearby rural areas. Heat islands can affect communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air conditioning costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, heat-related illness and mortality, and water quality, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.)

The quality of the facility’s indoor environment was enhanced through daylighting 95% of the building’s regularly used public and work areas by the inclusion of clerestory windows and other glazing. Approximately 75% of these regularly used area have views to the exterior.

To encourage a reduction in the consumption of fossil-fuels, the facility provides preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and carpools. Interior signage reinforces the message by educating visitors on the advantages of fuel-efficient vehicles. Other interior signage informs visitors about the many “green” features of the DMV facility.

This project earned an Award for Excellence in Design from the American Institute of Architects.