San Francisco, CA – Global design platform Archello has recognized the Moscone Center Expansion as a leading example of sustainable urban architecture, praising its transformation into “an efficient model for green urban hubs engaging communities.” Designed for the City of San Francisco, the convention center now stands as one of the most energy- and water-efficient facilities of its kind in North America.
Nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant Yerba Buena cultural district, the Moscone Center now spans nearly 20 acres across two superblocks, with light-filled, interconnected spaces that blur the boundary between public realm and institutional infrastructure.
Engineering a Greener Future
The design team prioritized carbon-conscious construction, preserving and repurposing existing building components wherever possible. These efforts significantly reduced the carbon footprint of the expansion.
Operationally, the center boasts the lowest carbon emissions per visitor of any major U.S. convention facility. Its sustainability milestones include:
- LEED Platinum Certification
- Largest rooftop solar installation in San Francisco, supplying nearly 20% of the center’s power
- High-performance external façade with fritted glass and integrated shading for energy efficiency
Leading in Water Conservation
One of the project’s standout features is its net-positive water system, a rarity for facilities of this scale. Innovative infrastructure enables the center to:
- Capture and treat nearly 15 million gallons of groundwater and stormwater annually
- Save over 5 million gallons of potable water per year
- Irrigate nearby gardens and support street cleaning operations, surpassing its own water needs
Community Impact
Beyond environmental performance, the expansion reconnects the facility with its urban surroundings, enhancing access, public space, and civic identity. Archello praised this integration as central to its success as a “green urban hub.”
“Sustainability is no longer an add-on—it’s a starting point,” the project team emphasized. “With Moscone, we’ve shown that large-scale infrastructure can support not just events, but entire ecosystems—social, environmental, and urban.”
As cities grapple with climate action and urban resilience, the Moscone Center stands as a powerful example of how design innovation and sustainability can come together to redefine civic architecture.
