LACCD Wins Prestigious Award for Pioneering Sustainability in Design
The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Project Was Honored by the Community College Facility Coalition with Award of Merit for Design
Los Angeles, CA – The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project at Los Angeles Mission College was recognized with the prestigious Merit for Design Award at the Annual CCFC Conference.
Designed by Moore Ruble Yudell, Architects and Planners, the facility will be LACCD’s first Net-Positive facility; 574 solar PV panels will have the capability to produce up to 252,560 KW of renewable power—over 115% of the facility’s average daily use. A battery storage microgrid, another first for LACCD, will provide reliability and on-site storage to maximize full use of the PV system.
“LACCD is honored to be recognized by CCFC as a leader in creating a net zero, environmentally responsible future—one our students and communities deserve,” said Dr. Alberto J. Román, Interim LACCD Chancellor. “Our new Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop building exemplifies our steadfast commitment to providing equitable and sustainable learning spaces that empower our students and inspire the next generation to lead with responsibility and vision.”
The anticipated LEED Gold facility was selected for its incorporation of transformational sustainable design features into a building essential to the College’s overall operations. The 1.1 acre project site will incorporate native plants and materials to minimize the need for irrigation and a stormwater capture and infiltration system to efficiently manage runoff from the natural topography. To take advantage of the San Fernando Valley microclimate, the 27, 820 square foot building features include a cool roof to reduce the heat island effect and windows and roll up doors maximize the use of natural light and ventilation.
“As a function-driven building type, the design puts a high value on simple, exposed structure and systems, creating a distinctive aesthetic that explains and celebrates the building fabric,” Design Partner John Ruble explained, “Every detail is considered for long-term serviceability, from the modest-but-durable concrete block primary system for support and enclosure to the low-slope/ high-performance metal roofing. The design also reduces embodied energy by the use of innovative concrete block with over 60% less production carbon than baseline concrete.”
Since 2001, LACCD has successfully delivered over 800 projects funded by its five voter-approved bond measures. Element Consulting, Inc provides on-site, college project oversight and the districtwide program management is provided by Jacobs. The Plant Facilities Warehouse and Shop Replacement project is funded by LACCD’s Measure CC, Measure LA and California’s State Capital Overlay program. The facility will open in mid-2027.
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