Largest Net-Zero Energy Commercial Office Building Opened in San Diego

Glenn Meyers

LPL Financial today announced the opening of its new net-zero energy San Diego headquarters, Tower II at La Jolla Commons. The company reports this facility is the largest net-zero energy commercial office building in the U.S.

The 13-story, 415,000-square-foot office tower demonstrates a company commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, incorporating sophisticated available green technologies, health, and wellness benefits for its employees.

The tower uses three fuel cells to convert biogas into carbon-neutral electricity that will allow the building to achieve net-zero energy status. In order to monitor and manage the tower’s reduced energy consumption, energy meters are located throughout the building and all surplus power is pushed back to the grid through San Diego Gas & Electric. In addition, the tower is furnished with LED lights that feature automatic dimming capabilities based on the degree of available natural light, as well as occupancy sensors that turn lights off by detecting unoccupied offices.

Eighty-eight percent of the tower’s water consumption, nearly 2.5 million gallons annually, is recycled and used for irrigation and other building needs. Employee-focused sustainability programs encourage employees to recycle, compost and carpool. On-site charging stations for electric vehicles are also available for employee use at no cost.

The building will house more than 1,600 LPL Financial employees from seven office buildings in La Jolla moved to the La Jolla Commons facility.

Congratulations on this accomplishment go to the leadership of LPL Financial.