J. Craig Venter Institute

The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) is a not-for-profit genomic research institute dedicated to the advancement of the science of genomics. In 2009, Dr. Venter received the National Medal of Science award for his dedication to advancing the science of genomics. In November of 2013, JCVI opened a 45,000 SF, $35 million state-of the- art, “ultra-green,” carbon-neutral, highly adaptable wet laboratory and computational laboratory building on the UCSD campus in La Jolla, CA. The building is designed to be the first true “net zero” biological research laboratory in the world. The building generates 100% of its power on-site via solar photovoltaic panels and incorporates natural daylighting and views with natural ventilation and passive cooling. With the use of rainwater harvesting, regionally-sourced and recycled materials, the building will exceed the requirements to achieve LEED platinum certification. The JCVI setting is enhanced by native vegetation that improves the site’s microclimate. Rainfall runoff from the building rooftop is stored in cisterns to provide water for the toilets, irrigation, cooling towers, and washing of photovoltaic panels. The building includes super-high-efficiency mechanical equipment with whole building optimization including heat recovery, thermal storage, and induction diffusers.