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Working Green

Earthjustice is actively promoting a green, environmentally-conscious future outside of the courtroom, too. At our headquarters in Oakland, CA, we practice what we preach.

The construction and day-to-day operation of buildings has a powerful impact on our planet. In the United States, for example, buildings are the largest consumers of electricity and contribute nearly a third of our total greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.

Earthjustice's headquarters in Oakland, CA was conceived and retrofitted with this in mind. From recycled tire floors and bamboo cabinets to skylights and large arched windows, the design choices were made to minimize the office's environmental footprint and maximize employee comfort.

The headquarters was awarded a Silver Leaf from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2004 for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the benchmark for green buildings. Take a tour of our building, and see firsthand how green design can be functional, sleek, and environmentally friendly at the same time.

Jump down the page to: Construction | Design | Materials | Space

Construction

Photo of the entrance to the Wakefield Building, where Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters are located. Photo of the lobby inside the Wakefield Building, where Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters are located. Photo of the facade of the Wakefield Building, where Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters are located.

The Wakefield Building, in downtown Oakland, is the headquarters of Earthjustice. The upper levels of the historic building were renovated with a green build-out, still preserving all the beautiful architectural details on the building's facade. The use of a pre-existing building both avoided sprawl and helped ensure convenient access to public transportation.

Design

Photo of arched windows inside Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters. Photo of a skylight on the top floor of Earthjustice's headquarters in Oakland, CA. Photo showing an exposed brick wall in Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters.

Large arched windows, skylights, and the use of recycled glass allow natural lighting inside, greatly reducing the use of electricity. Green design is also about using as little building material as possible. Rather than plastering the walls, the exposed brick was left untouched to add color and texture to the overall design. The green build-out preserved as many of these unfinished structural components as possible. Additionally, many of the materials removed during renovation, like steel, gypsum board, and framing wood, were recycled.

Materials

Photo of flooring made from recycled tires in Earthjustice's headquarters. Photo of humidity-regulating sisal carpet in Earthjustice's headquarters. Photo of a countertop made with natural plant fibers in Earthjustice's headquarters.

A variety of new materials were used during the green build-out, including floors made from recycled car tires, sisal carpet made from agave plants, and countertop laminate made with natural plant fibers. The combination of humidity-moderating sisal carpets and fans for improved air circulation reduce reliance on a traditional heating and cooling system.



Photo of a bamboo cabinet in Earthjustice's headquarters. Photo of a table with a top made of recycled steel in Earthjustice's headquarters. Photo of an office divider made from recycled Douglas fir in Earthjustice's headquarters.

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is naturally pest-resistant and a readily renewable resource. It can be used as a wood substitute for cabinets and flooring. Recycled steel was used for doorframes and metal tabletops. Recycled Douglas fir was reused to create shelving, office dividers, and flooring for the building. Many of the new materials used were manufactured locally.

Space

Photo of the rooftop deck in the Wakefield Building, where Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters are located. Photo of cactus plants on the Wakefield Building's rooftop deck. Photo of the dining area in Earthjustice's Oakland, CA headquarters.

A large sunlit deck with a blooming cactus garden creates a relaxing work environment. A dining area with skylights and abundant greenery complements the natural look of the green build-out.