BKF Engineers provided comprehensive civil engineering services for the expansion of a confidential client’s District Utility Loop within Sunnyvale, California. This project was designed to enhance energy resilience and sustainability by creating an efficient thermal energy distribution system that supported our client’s carbon-free by 2030 initiative. The utility loop integrated renewable energy systems, stormwater management, and ecological features in alignment with their Specific Plan.
BKF was responsible for master utility planning, which included developing a district-wide strategy for thermal energy and stormwater systems. The team prepared a district wide utility plan, schematic design documents for grading, utility alignments, stormwater infrastructure and hydronic piping to support the installation of dual chilled and hot hydronic piping. BKF also managed permitting and coordination with the City of Sunnyvale and other agencies, ensuring compliance with bird-safe design standards and ecological integration.
After the project was entitled, the client changed to a design-build project delivery after schematic design documents for the district utility loop were completed. As part of the design-build team, BKF oversaw subconsultant management for landscape, dry utilities, geotechnical, and structural disciplines. The firm provided design support services, including utility loop coordination, construction assistance, and value engineering to optimize piping depths, reduce trench spoils, and expedite installation through strategic cold bends. BKF ensured seamless integration between the Central Utility Plant and campus buildings, incorporating underground utility corridors and pedestrian improvements. Additionally, BKF facilitated building and encroachment permits ahead of schedule and provided construction administration through submittal reviews, RFIs, and field engineering for thermal energy storage tanks, electrical duct banks, and water infrastructure.
This work addressed key challenges such as public right-of-way crossings, existing utility conflicts, and multi-agency coordination, ensuring our client’s infrastructure was resilient, sustainable, and future-ready. Utility mapping and private utility agreements with the City of Sunnyvale were negotiated and managed with BKF’s coordination and help.
