Case Study: Gensler San Francisco achieves carbon-zero, future-ready workspace transformation with Gensler

Gensler San Francisco cuts carbon emissions 20% with Gensler

Gensler San Francisco, the architectural firm's own office, faced the challenge of high office vacancy rates and the need to create a compelling physical workplace in the era of hybrid and remote work. Their challenge was to move beyond a one-size-fits-all model and design a sustainable destination that would justify the commute for employees and serve as a prototype for the future of work in a struggling downtown area.

Gensler designed a carbon-zero energy office that operates as a living lab, featuring nearly 400 different work points across activity-based zones to support diverse needs and high-quality hybrid meeting experiences. The solution prioritized sustainable materials, reuse, and an all-electric retrofit. As a result, Gensler's San Francisco office became the firm's first U.S. location to achieve carbon zero energy, reducing its operational carbon footprint by over 95%. The new space also successfully increased daily downtown employee attendance, with data showing a 37% increase in occupancy compared to their previous location.

Gensler San Francisco