Largest Net-Zero Commercial Building Opens in San Diego

SAN DIEGO — Opened April 2, the new headquarters of LPL Financial at La Jolla Commons is now the largest net-zero energy and carbon-neutral commercial building in the U.S. Designed by AECOM, with offices in San Diego, and developed by Houston-headquartered Hines, the 13-story, 415,000-square-foot building features a high-performance building design, directed biogas and three on-site fuel cells that generate more electricity than the building and tenant will use.

Sustainable features of the building include under-floor air distribution and extensive use of reclaimed water for building systems and wastewater.

“Utilizing advances in technology to create efficiencies is at the heart of what LPL Financial provides for its advisors and institutional clients, and it is only fitting that we adopted the same approach in designing our new office tower. LPL Financial would like to thank Hines, J. P. Morgan Asset Management, Cresa, Gensler, Whiting Turner, WSP, San Diego Gas & Electric, GE Lighting, and Bloom Energy for their partnership as we worked together to create what we believe is the largest net-zero energy commercial office building in the country,” said Mark Casady, chairman and CEO of LPL Financial, in a statement. “Leveraging technology and advanced materials to minimize our impact on the environment while creating a positive work environment for our employees is consistent with our values as a firm and indicative of our strong commitment to being a socially responsible corporate citizen.”

Approximately 88 percent (2.5 million gallons) of the tower’s water consumption will be recycled and used for irrigation. Sustainability practices are also heavily implemented in the new building where employees are actively encouraged to recycle, compost and carpool. On-site charging stations for electric vehicles are also available for employee use at no cost.

Along with green features, the building also places emphasis on creating a healthy and positive work environment. The under-floor, air-distribution system with diffusers allows employees to control the flow of air into their individual workspaces. Tower II of La Jolla Commons features numerous employee amenities including an on-site health and fitness center with a certified wellness manager and a cafeteria featuring healthy food options.

“At LPL Financial, we are ambitiously working to be an employer of choice. As part of this commitment, we knew that our work environment needed to make an investment both in our employees and in the San Diego community. We saw designing this state-of-the-art building as core to enhancing the productivity, capabilities and well being of our employees, which in turn allows us to better serve our clients,” said Mark Casady, chairman and CEO of LPL Financial, in a statement. “By bringing employees together in this beautiful and inspiring workspace, we are ushering in a new era of collaboration and innovation that we believe will yield benefits not only for employees, but also for the clients we serve.”