CITY NATIONAL 2CAL sustainability initiatives

Since it first opened, City National 2CAL has been on the forefront of energy efficiency utilizing state-of-the-art mechanical systems, such as:

  • 100% Direct Digital HVAC Controls and smart Variable Air Volume (“VAV”) boxes for optimum efficiency and comfort.
  • Elevonic 411 elevators produce power into the building when an empty car travels upward and a fully loaded car travels downward. Additionally, energy conservation is accomplished through automatic dispatching of the elevator cars to various zones in the building to efficiently respond to and calls that are made.
  • Lighting controls: Occupancy sensors installed in tenanted areas reduce lighting loads, turning the lights off when the space is unoccupied.
  • HVAC Economy Cycle: includes a morning warm-up in the winter using hot water, and in the summer uses cooler outside air to flush the building prior to start up.

sustainability measures

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Over the years, further enhancements to the mechanical systems and a variety of green initiatives have been implemented to increase energy efficiencies and promote a healthy environment.

  • Lighting retrofits have been performed replacing the fluorescent bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs, while increasing lumens and reducing electricity in the Garage, Lower Plaza, Upper Plaza, multi-tenant corridors, restrooms, freight elevator lobbies, stairwells and mechanical areas.
  • The Building Automation System controls were upgraded to “smart” controls which block any programming that may have a negative impact on energy efficiency and learn trends and user preferences.
  • Green Cleaning Methods were introduced, such as:
  • Environmentally friendly Green Seal certified cleaning products;
  • Recycled or green paper products;
  • Low impact cleaning equipment is used for routine maintenance.
  • Variable Frequency Drives (“VFDs”) installed on Chillers 1 and 2; and all pumps and fans which adjust the minimal horsepower, providing only exactly what is essential for operation.
  • Proactive Indoor Air Quality testing is conducted twice per year.
  • MERV 14 filters are utilized to reduce exposure to potentially hazardous contaminants.
  • Integrated pest control practices were implemented reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
  • Enhanced recycling and waste diversion programs were established, including e-waste collection and composting.
  • Water efficient exterior landscaping was installed in conjunction with hardscape renovations.
  • Recycling of construction waste as tenant improvements and renovations are performed.

green building certifications

LEED® Platinum

City National 2CAL first earned LEED® Platinum Certification for Existing Buildings, Operations and Maintenance, from the U.S. Green Building Council in October 2013. LEED® is the most widely used green building rating system in the world for the design, construction and operations of high-performance green buildings. The LEED® Platinum Certification provides credible, third-party verification of 2CAL’s energy and water efficiency while maintain indoor air quality and minimizing the building’s environmental impact. 2CAL was one of the first 50 existing buildings to certify LEED® Platinum in all of California, and one of the first ten to certify in Los Angeles County. Since then, we have re-certified and maintained our LEED® Platinum status for the past 10 years signifying our continued commitment to sustainability.

Energy Star®

City National 2CAL has earned ENERGY STAR® certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) every year for the past 7 years. In 2024, the Property earned a score of 95. It is a rare achievement to earn such a high score. Awarded on a scale of 1-100, our score means that City National 2CAL is more energy efficient than 95 percent of similar properties nationwide. ENERGY STAR is the only energy efficiency certification that is based on actual, verified energy performance. The building’s actual utility data is entered into the EPA’s online tool which measures and tracks energy use, water use, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. This is the 12th year overall that the Property has earned the ENERGY STAR® certification at 2CAL.

UL Healthy Building Verification Mark for Indoor Air and Water

Since 2021, City National 2CAL has earned the UL Healthy Building Verification Mark for Indoor Air and Water, demonstrating excellence in Indoor Environmental Quality. The verification process includes twice yearly inspections with indoor air and water quality testing each time. The Verified Healthy Buildings Program is designed to work in tandem with the requirements of other green-building programs, such as LEED and Energy Star to support the building’s overall sustainability, health and wellness. For more information on the importance of Indoor Air Quality, please refer to the attached Indoor Air Quality Flyer.

Fitwel®

In November 2022, City National 2CAL achieved Fitwel certification. The Fitwel certification reflects our deep commitment to develop, operate, maintain, and optimize our building for occupant health and well-being.

Green Janitor Education Program

In July 2022, all members of our environmental services team completed a 30-hour “Green Janitor Education Program” provided through a partnership between the U.S. Green Building Council, SEIU, and the Building Owners and Managers Association. The janitors play a critical role in our sustainability and conservation efforts to minimize the environmental footprint of our building. This course, taught over 15 weeks, ensures compliance with green cleaning practices, contributes to our LEED re-certification efforts, and provides long-term benefits in energy efficiency, recycling, waste management, water conservation. With this training, a new standard requirement has been established for any new environmental services team member.

Recycling program overview

City National 2CAL’s recycling program consists of three (3) waste streams:

1. Recycling

We have a mixed recycling program, which is designated by Blue waste can and/or liners. Acceptable items are:

  • Glass, Aluminum
  • Plastics
  • Paper, Newspaper, Magazines, including clean, shredded paper
  • If any of the above contains food or liquids left in coffee cups or pop cans, the entire load will be contaminated.

2. Food Waste

The food waste program, which is designated by Green waste can and/or liners. Acceptable items are:

  • Food, Fruit, Leftovers
  • Coffee Grounds and Coffee Filters
  • Tea Bags
  • Paper Towels
  • Compostable food service ware

3. Trash

All other items are Trash/Landfill, which is designated by black cans with clear liners. However, all liquids should be poured out into sink drains prior to disposing the container.

Posters/Signs should be placed at all waste receptacles. Ideally, the signs should be color-coded and should include a list and images of the materials accepted for each bin. You may use your own or the ones below:

It is our goal to divert 60% of the waste generated from this building from reaching the Landfill by utilizing a combination of sustainable purchasing strategies and proper waste diversion practices. For more information on how your office can implement a robust recycling program and contribute to our waste diversion goal, please view our Recycling Video. You may also wish to circulate the link to the video to encourage others to participate.

Thank you for being a part of our sustainability story. Here’s to another year of cutting energy waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and doing our part to protect the environment – together!