Lucky us!
Approved in 2004, San Francisco's "Green Building Ordinance" requires all new city-owned and leased projects to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and therefore all projects have to be constructed to meet or exceed LEED Silver certification standards.

An important aspect of this recommendation as it was made, according to Brian Gitt, executive director of Build It Green out of Berkeley, is that the increased standards are slated to be phased in between 2008 and 2012, with escalating stringency each year. For example, new, large-scale commercial buildings in San Francisco will have to meet the most fundamental LEED standard in 2008. Gold certifications will be required for such buildings starting in 2012.

"[Our] certification will hopefully inspire event and meeting planners by demonstrating that it is possible to have a successful event and protect our resources at the same time," says Vivian Perez, Event Manager at The Bently Reserve.  
So, what does this mean for hosting green weddings in San Francisco? Well, now that it's 2008, things are much improved in some of our favorite venues, and the standards and practices that make our buildings that much more eco-friendly, are only getting better!

 Below are five of the green venues in San Francisco that I am most excited about, in alphabetical order. I've included specifics that will help you identify which of these venues might best suit your wedding plans!

1. The Bently Reserve –Consider this downtown historic San Francisco location for large, elegant, indoor ceremony and reception. There is even an open air balcony where guests might enjoy cocktails before dinner!
301 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
415.728.6729

Anticipating LEED-EB Silver Certification in April (EB stands for Existing Building).

2. California Academy of Sciences –This space is brand new and will be available in fall! Located in scenic Golden Gate Park, it will be a lovely and educational venue in which to host a large reception following an outdoor ceremony in front of the Conservatory of Flowers.
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.321.8148

Received the EPA's regional 2006 Environmental Award and was the North American winner of the silver Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction for Sustainable Construction  in September 2005, in recognition of the innovative "green" design of its new facility in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. "Our goal was to create a building that would not only hold powerful exhibitions, but serve as an exhibit itself, inspiring people to help protect our astonishing planet," said Dr. Frank Ahlmeda, California Academy of Sciences Botany chair. A few of the changes toward conservation:
·    The new Academy will consume 30% less energy than required by San Francisco's codes
·    Sixty-thousand photovoltaic cells will provide 5% to 10% of electricity from solar energy
·    The Living Roof will absorb nearly 2 million gallons of rainwater per year


3. Fort Mason Officers Club –A historical waterfront venue, Fort Mason has a variety of options for indoor/outdoor ceremonies and receptions. It's a versatile space with views of Fisherman's Wharf, The Bay and Alcatraz.
1 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.441.7700

A model for green historic renovation initiatives, including:
Recycled all carpeting, drapery and window treatments
·    All outdated equipment was donated or recycled
·    Newly installed carpet made with recycled materials
·    Wall coverings made of non-toxic materials with high recycled content
·    Window coverings made of non-toxic material
·    Low VOC paint used throughout

4. The Rooftop Garden at the Orchard Garden Hotel –Perhaps an intimate welcome brunch or cocktail reception preceding a rehearsal dinner at Roots Restaurant down below… There are several creative ways to utilize this rare open patio that offers an inside perspective on San Francisco's cityscape.
665 Bush St
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.399.9807
500 sq. ft rooftop patio
Hotel has 86 guest rooms and is LEED-NC Certified (NC stands for New commercial construction and also applies to major renovation projects).

5.  San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 1 –Framed under a Port of San Francisco sign, this ceremony space is very unique to the city. Site of the wonderful Saturday morning Ferry Building Farmers Market and many eco-friendly shops and businesses on the ground floor, the sizable event spaces on the second floor of this historic venue feature regal architecture and classic bay views.
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
415.369.9800

Renovated by SMWM, Page & Turnbull, and Tom Bloszies Aguil, who received an American Institute of Architects' Award in the  "green design" category for the project, which features natural ventilation and daylight and  exceeds California's Title 24 standards by 20-30%.

We are in for some exciting reveals in 2008 with a LEED Certification anticipated by the Bently Reserve in April, and the Grand Reopening of the California Academy of Sciences coming up September 27th of this year. It's a perfect time to plan your greener wedding in San Francisco!