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.

Over the past decade, Blach has continued its leadership in sustainability on numerous projects with clients such as The Omidyar Foundation, Los Altos School District, Orrick and others. Most recently, Blach built a new 62,000 square foot headquarters for the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation as well as our own 12,000 square foot office expansion. Both are pursuing LEED Gold certification.

In an effort to continuously enhance our green expertise and share it with others, Blach sends 8-10 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.