Solar Powered 20th Street Offices Show Off Brilliant Sustainable Design in Santa Monica

The 20th Street Offices in Santa Monica are home to three design firms with a strong commitment towards green building and low environmental impact design. With a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-roof">green roof</a>, energy efficient strategies and a rooftop photovoltaic system, the office really walks the walk as much as it talks the talk. The cubic office was designed by Santa Monica-based <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-holocaust-museum-unveiled-in-los-angeles/">Belzberg Architects</a>, who work out of the building, and it has been awarded LEED Gold certification.

Belzberg's offices are a great way to show off great green design to their clients and the LEED Gold rating helps back up their claims.

The roof is topped off with drought tolerant California natives that are irrigated with a super water efficient drip irrigation system.

The office achieved a 31% energy savings compared to standards with smart design, efficient systems and natural daylighting.

A photovoltaic system on the roof and west facade produces 12.5% of the building's annual energy demand.

The firms are even further committed to green energy and buy 70% of their annual energy usage through carbon offset green tags.

Rainwater is collected and infiltrated through permeable paving materials and treated before being returned to the aquifer.

The office is located close to public transit, offers bike storage and shower facilities, plus priority parking for alternative vehicles and carpools.

Sustainable energy strategies on the 20th Street Offices.

Building wide sustainability initiatives.

Environmentally friendly materials.

The building's diamond weave facade.