One of the earliest members of the USGBC

Blach’s involvement in sustainable building practices began in the 1990’s prior to the implementation of the LEED certification system with our work for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The foundation’s tenant improvement project included many “firsts” in sustainable design and construction, including the use of certified wood, recycled newspaper wall insulation, ceramic tiles made of recycled auto windshields, and the diversion of over 80% of debris and demolition waste. These practices have now become the standard for sustainable projects, but during the 90’s no contractor had ever attempted to achieve such goals.

The Packard Foundation project received many accolades for its use of sustainable design and construction practices and the Associated General Contractors awarded Blach the prestigious Constructor award due to the high-level of sustainable innovation in construction materials used on the project. Additionally, the project team was invited to share this project as a case study at a major environmental design conference as it was deemed a leading example of sustainability and collaboration between owner and contractor.

Blach has instituted its leadership in sustainability on numerous projects with clients such as the Omidyar Foundation, Orchard School District, Los Altos School District, San Jose City College and others. In 2009, Blach completed a 62,000 square foot headquarters for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, certified LEED CI Platinum, as well as its own 12,000 square foot office expansion, which was certified LEED Gold.

In an effort to continuousaly enhance our green expertise and share it with others, Blach sends more than a dozen employees to the USGBC’s national conference, GreenBuild, each year. Locally, many of our employees are playing active roles in the creation and operation of the USGBC Northern California Chapter’s Silicon Valley Branch.