Photo by Steve Whalen Photography

The three-story structure is on track to meet net-zero performance and earn LEED Platinum.

As a leader in genomic research and the study of climate change, the institute set out to build the most ambitious sustainably designed biological research laboratory in the world. As a showcase of how science and environmentally sustainable building practices can align, the three-story structure is on track to meet net-zero performance and earn LEED Platinum. Advanced building technologies have cut power demand by almost 75% compared with equivalent wet-lab facilities. Potable water demand has been reduced almost 70%. Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels produce electricity.

Key Players

contractor McCarthy Building Cos.

Owner J. Craig Venter Institute; University of California, San Diego

Owner Representative Sustainable SoCal Inc.

Architect ZGF Architects LLP

Civil-Structural Engineer KPFF Consulting Engineers

MEP Engineer Integral Group; Integrated Design Assocs.