Some folks worry that sustainability doesn’t fly in Texas, but Credit Human’s headquarters in San Antonio’s revitalized Pearl District has passed the test with flying colors—and a new award. The Credit Human Development has received numerous honors for its sustainable design integrating leading-edge clean technologies, most recently in the Texas Decarbonization category in USGBC’s 2024 U.S. Market Leadership Awards recognizing excellence in creating better buildings and improving lives in the community.

Designed for the comfort of 1,200 employees, the 200,000-square-foot healthy workplace leads the way for future commercial buildings, not only in the Lone Star State but nationally. Recipients of this prestigious award were determined by an esteemed panel of judges representing leaders and stakeholders in the USGBC community with a variety of technical, market and sector perspectives and expertise. Projects were judged based on their certification level under LEED or another GBCI rating system, goals, strategies, synergies, performance and significance or impact within their local market.

USGBC Texas Executive Director Jonathan Kraatz said:

The Credit Human Broadway Development is a great example of how systems and partners work together to make a whole that exceeds the sum of its parts. The partners who came together to create it, including Trane Technologies, Mitsubishi Electric and many others, each played a significant role in inspiring a shift toward innovation, efficiency and resilience in the building industry.

Working Together to Raise the Standard for Resource Efficiency

The Credit Human headquarters, which was completed in January 2021 and achieved Platinum LEED certification in July 2022, integrates state-of-the-art technologies, innovative solutions and a commitment to responsibility and employee well-being. It was built with ambitious sustainability goals in mind, and the results speak for themselves. Built on a mission to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2025, the project has exceeded expectations, achieving a 96% reduction in energy use compared to traditional office buildings. This is made possible by clean technologies ranging from a solar array and geothermal energy to a Mitsubishi Electric water-source VRF zoning system for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

As impressive as the property’s performance is, earning awards doesn’t happen without an advocate to back the nomination and create the submission. That’s where this story shifts from innovation to the people advancing it. Seeing an opportunity for Credit Human to earn some well-deserved recognition, members of Trane’s team reached out to METUS to enlist their support and teamed up on the application.

Brad Bright (Systems Account Manager), Adrian Martinez (System Sales Manager), and Kalib Brignac (Area General Manager S. Texas)

Trane Technologies Area General Manager Kalib Brignac said:

The Credit Human Broadway Development sets a new standard for sustainability, and we are proud of the role our expertise and technology played in achieving it. This project demonstrates that energy conservation and responsible stewardship of resources can create resilient spaces and workplaces that make corporate leaders and employees proud.

Showcasing the power of collaboration to achieve sustainability goals, the project was also made possible through partnerships with local organizations, including Silver Ventures, the San Antonio Water System and the U.S. Green Building Council. A notable achievement was the building's certification as the first commercial structure in San Antonio to receive the Build San Antonio Green Certified Climate Ready status. This distinction recognizes the building’s resilience and preparedness for climate challenges.

Key Strategies for Sustainable Performance

1. Energy-Efficient HVAC and Lighting: The building’s water-cooled VRF HVAC system, combined with advanced plug load controls and LED lighting, optimizes energy usage while maintaining comfort. This system, coupled with high-performance insulation and building materials, reduces energy demand and enhances indoor air quality.
2. Geothermal Systems: A geothermal energy system with 150 wells, each about 300 feet deep, ensures the building's heating and cooling needs are met efficiently. This system saves over 1.25 million gallons of water annually and significantly reduces energy consumption for temperature regulation.
3. Solar Power: The 1-megawatt solar array with 3,000 solar panels, generates approximately 40% of the building’s energy, significantly lowering its carbon footprint. This initiative is part of Credit Human's dedication to renewable energy sources and advancing the integration of solar power in commercial spaces.
4. Water Management: At the heart of the building's sustainability efforts is its water capture system. The headquarters collects and reuses rainwater and condensate, reducing potable water dependence by 97%. The system, which stores 140,000 gallons of water, supports non-potable needs such as irrigation, cooling towers, and toilets.
5. Waste Reduction: Aiming to achieve zero waste by 2025, the headquarters currently diverts 55% of its waste from landfills, with a focus on composting and recycling. The building also supports the Credit Human Zero Waste Initiative, which targets reducing food waste—a significant contributor to global greenhouse gases.

Insights for Future Green Projects

Credit Human’s new headquarters is more than just a workplace; it’s also a living lab for future sustainability efforts. It conveys the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and community investment. As an anchor for San Antonio’s revitalized Pearl District, the headquarters integrates green infrastructure into the urban landscape, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can drive broader development goals in alignment with the SA Tomorrow vision. By embracing green building practices, Credit Human is encouraging other organizations to follow suit and invest in sustainability for the long-term benefit of the environment and their communities.

Key takeaways for future projects include:

• Holistic Integration: Combining energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy strategies ensures a building's sustainability and reduces its reliance on external resources.
• Setting Clear Performance Benchmarks: Establishing measurable goals for energy consumption, water use and waste diversion provides a clear roadmap for success.
• Collaboration and Community Engagement: Partnering with local entities and engaging with the community ensures that a building addresses both environmental and social needs.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Building designs must prioritize resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
• Economic Benefits of Sustainability: Investing in green infrastructure yields not only environmental benefits but also long-term economic returns, as demonstrated by the 11%-13% projected rate of return over 30 years for Credit Human’s headquarters.