Founded in 1978 in Berkeley, California, Shelterbelt Builders Inc. initially operated as a general building and landscaping company, successfully completing over 600 commercial and residential projects in its first 15 years. The company was a pioneer in the incorporation of green building technologies that emerged during the 1970s, engaging in innovative projects such as passive and active solar energy installations, straw bale construction, and off-the-grid homes.
After the devastating Oakland Hills firestorm in 1991, Shelterbelt identified a growing need for dedicated services in the restoration and management of native landscapes within the San Francisco Bay Area. Recognizing this gap, the company shifted its focus away from general construction and specialized in native landscape restoration and open land management. Now headquartered in San Francisco, Shelterbelt Builders has established itself as a leader in California’s ecological restoration efforts.
Shelterbelt is certified through the ABAG Green Business Program, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. The company integrates environmental stewardship into its operations by promoting carpooling, biking, and public transport for commuting employees. Office practices include low-energy consumption, recycling, the use of 100% recycled materials, and maintaining an irrigated native plant garden. On job sites, Shelterbelt emphasizes waste reduction by processing vegetative waste on-site and using FSC-certified or salvaged wood in construction projects.
Notably, since 2004, Shelterbelt Builders has collaborated with the Presidio Trust, restoring and enhancing various sites within the historic military base. With a strong commitment to conservation and ecological integrity, Shelterbelt Builders Inc. plays a vital role in enhancing California's natural landscapes, ensuring that environmental sustainability remains at the core of its mission.
