Government agencies are even getting bit by the green bug. A new federal building in San Francisco is open for all to see.

And as news 25s Lesley Nagy the building is being praised for its energy efficient design.

This 18-story federal building looks like an architect's dream, but really it's also an environmentalist's. A triumph of social responsibility to our environment and to future generations.

The speaker of the house was on hand for the official ribbon cutting but what makes this building so eco-friendly?

Buildings use up 40% of our total energy and its absolutely mandatory if we're gonna deal with broader issues of energy.

The architect believes his design will use one-third less energy overall... one unique feature: elevators that only stop every third floor to conserve energy and get employees up and moving.

Most of the employees were really excited about moving in to a building that was going to be environmentally friendly.

Deann Amaden points out the natural heating cooling system. Which is a stell mesh that blocks the sun from the south. To the north, fins redirect the sun and allow for ventilation.

"You really fell like its much more open air you have that interaction with the outside world which in a typical office bldg you don't and for most people that's a really positive aspect of working here in this building."

The sky garden is open to the public who want to see the eco-design up close.