Built to house the innovative Earth Systems Science & Policy Institute, an interdisciplinary science program, the building combines classrooms, wet and dry laboratories, computer lab, and faculty offices for chemistry, biology, physics, geology, and math.  The program integrates natural sciences studies with policy and economics related to marine, coastal, and watershed ecological systems.  Our energy analysis resulted in a building design that  exceeds California’s energy code by 23 percent and received a PG&E Savings By Design owner’s incentive.  Mechanical design incorporates traditional systems in laboratories, natural ventilation in offices, underfloor air systems in the classrooms and computer lab, and energy-efficient VAV-HVAC system to reduce air-conditioning loads.