Pankow Builders delivered a net-zero energy, net-zero water, LEED® Platinum-certified facility for the City of El Cerrito. The two-acre project serves as both a recycling center and an environmental education hub.

The team utilized a Design-Build/IPD hybrid approach and prefabricated modular construction to accelerate delivery and reduce waste. Features include a 10kW solar photovoltaic array, 11,000-gallon rainwater collection system, native landscaping, and reclaimed materials throughout.

Completed in 2012, the Center remains a community model for sustainability and collaboration.

Building for a Greener Future

The El Cerrito Recycling + Environmental Resource Center redefines the role of a civic recycling facility by merging environmental performance with community education. Delivered through a hybrid Design-Build/IPD approach, the two-acre project includes a net-zero energy operations building, modular administrative structure, and reconfigured drop-off loop for efficient vehicle circulation.

Sustainability guided every design and construction decision. The Center’s systems include 10kW of rooftop solar panels, an 11,000-gallon rainwater cistern, native landscaping, and rain gardens that filter and reuse stormwater on site. Locally sourced and recycled materials, such as fly ash concrete, reclaimed wood, and recycled steel, minimize the project’s carbon footprint.

Pankow’s early collaboration with the City and design team allowed the project to be completed in under a year, while maximizing value and performance. The result is a LEED® Platinum-certified, net-zero energy and water facility that serves as both a community resource and a living demonstration of sustainable practices.

With an average of 400 daily visitors, the Center not only diverts waste but also educates residents about sustainability, embodying El Cerrito’s commitment to environmental leadership and innovation.