From our adoption of solar technologies, to our ambitious water conservation efforts, to our LEED-certified buildings, Pearl is committed to sustainability.
A Commitment to Sustainability
From our innovative solar installation back in 2009 to drought-resistant Xeriscaping, Pearl is committed to sustainability. It started with preserving the historic brewery buildings and has grown into a foundational principal of our organization.
Location is Everything
Site Selection
Pearl is a walkable location, with plenty of bicycle parking and nearby transit stops lessening the need to drive. As an added incentive, Pearl is host to bike valet stations in support of the San Antonio Bike Share Program. Pearl has also planted a total of 662 trees property wide (307 major trees such as elms, oaks, and sycamores; and 355 smaller trees such as mountain laurels and persimmons).
Collecting and Conserving
Water Efficiency
All non-potable water on site is either recycled or captured rain water made possible through a public/private partnership between Pearl and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS). Also, the new Credit Human building will use 97% less potable water than a typical 200,000 square-foot building (pictured). The landscape of attractive native and adapted plants at Pearl embodies the natural character of San Antonio while requiring less water. Also, Pearl uses wastewater from our cooling towers to irrigate landscaping throughout the property.
Reducing Our Footprint
Energy Efficiency
Pearl is committed to consuming less energy and emitting fewer greenhouse gases. To accomplish this goal, energy efficient windows and ample building insulation lead to more comfortable indoor spaces at lower operating costs as all buildings incorporate Energy Star-rated appliances. Pearl also has Electric Vehicle Charging stations to improve vehicle fuel economy, lower fuel costs and reduce emissions.
Responsible Choices
Materials and Resources
Sustainable construction practices and responsible materials selection are key to Pearl’s commitment to being environmental leaders. Our use of high-quality building materials with a significant percentage of recycled content encourages the diversion of waste from landfills and conserves virgin resources. We also have an extensive food composting program in response to the needs of the numerous restaurants on site. Food waste from all the restaurants is processed in a central location and the resulting compost is incorporated in mulches for gardens and landscapes.
Promoting Wellness
Indoor Environments
Pearl’s indoor environment promotes health and wellness. The design team selected low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet and other materials that contribute to healthy, high-quality indoor air. Living spaces are designed to maximize access to outdoor views and daylight while keeping indoor temperatures comfortable. Windows at Pearl are double-paned, tinted, and have a low solar heat gain coefficient, minimizing the solar radiation that enters interior spaces in the heat of summer.
Steve Bennett from the San Antonio Report documents the design of the 12-story Credit Human building, the eight-story Oxbow building, and a 936-space parking garage. The buildings achieve an unprecedented commitment to sustainability.
In anticipation of an influx of people, the Pearl is making big moves, not only by bringing in more restaurants but also by making architectural changes, such as turning a parking lot into a green space.