While most buildings rely on natural gas to power heating and cooling, running fully on electricity means that its power can be generated from renewable sources such as wind or solar energy. In addition to reducing energy consumption and investing in new technology that can help Adobe achieve its goals, the company is also advocating for policies to open up direct access to renewable energy in California and beyond so the community as a whole can benefit.

“We're looking forward to partnering with Adobe to develop this significant expansion of the company's global headquarters, which has called San Jose home for 25 years,” Birdwell tells GlobeSt.com. “We're jumping headfirst into the challenges that come with managing the development of an all-electric building powered by renewable energy, and are delighted that we have the opportunity to help make this sustainable project a reality.”

Two of the state's universities, the University of California and Stanford University, are taking new steps to eliminate carbon emissions in buildings. Last fall, the University of California announced a new sustainability goal: The massive public university system would seek to achieve 100% clean electricity across its campuses and medical centers by 2025. UC had previously announced its intent to be carbon neutral by that same year.

The 100% clean electricity goal was not the only ambitious policy in the announcement. The UC office of the president also established another benchmark: fossil-fuel-free heating in new buildings beginning this year. No new UC buildings or major renovations after this month (except in special circumstances) will use on-site fossil fuel combustion, such as natural gas, for space and water heating.