Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies
De Anza College
Cupertino, California (Silicon Valley)
Mediterranean climate
Stevens Creek watershed
ne of the highest regarded environmental
studies centers in North America. This
building is the integration of green design
methods at their best.
Approximately 80% reduction in energy use
compared to a comparable college building.
Winner of the first ever Livable Building award
by the nation’s premier organization of building
scientists. First LEED Platinum community college
building in the United States.
And – this is a well-loved building.
Its sophisticated and welcoming variety of
study, group work and teaching spaces are in
constant, productive use. This is a place where
energy management students and biodiversity
students work together in a positive,
productive atmosphere.
When the building opened, the building
committee asked Dave to continue his work
with them and to begin teaching green building
courses here – which he continues to do.