"We will do our part in helping keep waste foam from landfills, and reduce the load on the environment of chemicals used in the manufacture of new foam," says CalPERS CEO Fred Buenrostro. "It is our hope that this small step will demonstrate that sustainable technologies can help stimulate a larger market demand for recycled foam and other recycled materials."

Slated for completion in 2005, the building is expected to meet the certification requirements of the US Green Building Council's leadership in energy and environmental design program. Among the project's other environmentally friendly features will be: energy-efficient, heat reducing windows; energy efficient HVAC systems; raised flooring located to reduce energy consumption, and; renewable and recycled materials, including photovoltaic panels provided by SMUD as a demonstration project.

The project site is bordered by 3rd, 5th, Q and R streets Downtown. The development is composed of two U-shaped buildings of four and six floors that form a public courtyard at their center, bisected by a mews for pedestrians and vehicles along 4th Street. A grand trellis-covered veranda, which embraces a six-story sculptured glass lobby, serves as the centerpiece and main entry to the complex. Exterior walkways will link the two structures, and a pedestrian concourse below Q Street will tie the building to the System's current headquarters, Lincoln Plaza.