San Francisco Chronicle: On a rare sweltering day in San Francisco, the new office of DPR Construction stays cool and pleasant.
But don't credit the air conditioning. It isn't on.
Large fans circulate air. Skylights turn dark when the sun beats down, letting in light while minimizing heat. Tilted rows of solar panels shield the roof while producing a steady stream of electricity.
Recently renovated by DPR, the North Beach building should generate as much energy as it uses in any given year. If all its systems work...