Clark to Construct a New, Green Headquarters for California ISO

FOLSOM, Calif. – The California Independent System Operator Corporation (California ISO) recently awarded Clark Design/Build of California, Inc., a $110 million design-build contract for its new headquarters. The project will exemplify California ISO’s commitment to the environment, with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and an Energy Star rating over 80.

The 278,000 square-foot project will create a permanent headquarters for California ISO, a non-profit, public-benefit corporation. The organization operates the state’s wholesale transmission grid, providing open and non-discriminatory access supported by a competitive energy market and comprehensive planning efforts.

The California ISO project scope of work includes thirty acres of site clearing, creating utility infrastructure, installing perimeter security, and constructing a headquarters building and parking facilities.

California ISO’s new headquarters building will be comprised of three distinct wings with a combination of structural systems. The building’s main lobby is part of a two-story public wing. This wing, which features glass and metal panels wrapped around a structural steel frame, will include training rooms, an educational center, and support facilities. The mission critical wing, which houses a data center, mechanical and electrical utility systems, and the mission control room, has a structural steel frame and a precast wall façade. The office wing has exposed structural precast concrete and beams with a glass and metal panel façade. This three-story portion of the building will house a majority of California ISO’s more than 500 employees in an open office environment.  

Many of the project’s planned sustainable amenities, including increased daylighting and views and an underfloor air distribution system, will improve environmental quality for employees and save energy costs. California ISO’s commitment to the environment was evident at the project’s groundbreaking. Invitations to the event were printed on recycled paper embedded with wildflower seeds, which guests were encouraged to plant. Power for the event’s audio system was supplied by a hydrogen fuel cell generator. The neighboring Folsom High School set up a display honoring the winners of its Engineering Green Challenge. The Clark project team donated reusable sport water bottles to the event.  

California ISO’s Board of Governors awarded Clark the contract in May. Final completion of the project is expected in March 2011.