How we Build

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

In 2019, San Francisco State University built its first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum building with the opening of the Mashouf Wellness Center. 

LEED is the world's most widely used green building rating system. Platinum is the highest rating followed by Gold, Silver then Certified. All new buildings at SFSU must be built to LEED Gold standards or higher. 

Our buildings currently under construction — including Manzanita Square, the new Creative Arts building and new Science building — are all planned to be LEED Gold certified when they open in 2024.

Climate action goals

• All future new buildings will be LEED Gold certified or higher and all-electric
  • Accomplished and in progress
• All future new construction, remodeling, renovation and repair projects, regardless of funding source, will be designed with consideration of optimum energy utilization, decarbonization, and low life-cycle operating costs and shall exceed all applicable energy codes and regulations by 10% (CSU Sustainability Policy)
• Retrofit older buildings to be more energy efficient and all-electric, if funding becomes available
• In all areas where appropriate, landscaping will support a naturally functioning habitat, promote biodiversity, and preserve native landscapes (CSU Sustainability Policy)
  • Accomplished and in progress
• Care for all of managed grounds besides athletic fields (43 of 50 acres) a without the use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, herbicides and fungicides (Landscape Framework)
  • Accomplished and in progress

Sustainable landscape

SFSU's grounds department is cultivating a landscape that maintains urban biodiversity, minimizes water for irrigation and prevents stormwater runoff.

Planning and Design

Our Planning + Design team incorporates sustainability in every planning decision. This includes the Campus Master Plan, transportation planning and designing how people move through campus.