A scoping workshop on sustainable infrastructure issues was conducted in October of 1997. Goals for the workshop included (1) assessing existing park infrastructure including electricity, gas, water and sewage, (2) looking at the potential for using Fort Baker as a "green" conference facility, and (3) exploring financing alternatives for environmental improvements to existing infrastructure and the development of conference facilities. In October 1998, a proposed Fort Baker plan was issued and public comments were taken. The plan and its Environmental Impact Statement were subsequently endorsed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Advisory Commission. The plan calls for using the numerous historic buildings at Ft. Baker to establish a new retreat and conference center, with an upgraded utility infrastructure and rehabilitated marina and historic Boat Shop open to the public. The existing children's Bay Area Discovery Museum will also expand under the plan. The National Park Service will select a conference center development and operation partner who will participate in developing sustainability and performance guidelines for the center. Ft. Baker could be a customer for re-claimed water from treated wastewater at a nearby plant which normally flows into the bay. Food preparation in the new conference center will provide an opportunity for composting.
Building Energy
The National Park Service will develop a utility business plan and select utility rehabilitation partner(s). Ft. Baker has received assistance from NREL on utility and utility infrastructure issues. Performance standards will be developed . The utility issues are integrated with building design and rehabilitation issues. Utility planning will be based on the new, lower building loads resulting from building energy efficiency. The National Park Service expects to maximize green power purchases, potentially paying up to 10% higher than market price. Photovoltaics (PV) opportunities will be examined including possible including PV systems on the planned covered parking. With little opportunity for self financing, the National Park Service is looking for financial partners and alternative financing. Initial recommendations for building energy standards at Fort Baker call for 10% better than Title 24 for rehabilitation and 35% better on new construction.
Transportation
The conference center operator will be develop an airport shuttle system. The National Park Service is working to reestablish bus service. The National Park Service will work with Sausalito on transportation issues.
Building Design and Construction
The National Park Service is selecting two new partners for design, finance, rehabilitation, and operation of programs: one for the retreat and conference center; and the other for the marina and historic boat shop. The conference center will have 250 - 300 rooms and will include up to 28,000 square feet of new construction for dining and meeting facilities. Non-historic housing will likely be demolished and replaced with new construction to provide the necessary room count. The existing Bay Area Discovery Museum will both be renovated and expanded.
Site Planning and Landscaping
Beach restoration will occur to a natural condition. The existing wooden bulkhead will be removed from beach. A large open recreational area will be established behind the newly restored beach.
Pollution Prevention and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
The National Park Service will develop a pollution prevention program as part of the implementation of its Fort Baker Plan. Existing passive ventilation will be maintained in historic buildings and included in new construction. Materials specifications will seek to promote sustainability and minimize IAQ issues.
Education
National Park Service interpretive program will seek to educate visitors about the sustainable development experience and lessons learned at Fort Baker, along with other program focused on how visitors can contribute towards greater sustainability in the park and in their lives.