Rising 18 stories above Westwood Village, UCLA’s Wilshire Center is more than a bustling hub for human resources, finance, administrative operations, and UCLA Health offices – it’s now a model for sustainable practices and high-performance building operations. The university-owned property has officially achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
As one of UCLA’s flagship off-campus properties, Wilshire Center presented a unique opportunity. Its age, mechanical systems, and dense daily occupancy made it an ideal candidate for sustainability upgrades. UCLA Asset Management, which oversees the university’s commercial properties, led the multi-year effort to modernize the building and elevate its performance.
The goal was straightforward: reduce electricity and natural‑gas use, lower operating costs, and create a healthier, more comfortable environment for the hundreds of UCLA and UCLA Health employees who work there each day. Achieving LEED Gold required meeting rigorous criteria across energy, water, indoor‑environment quality, and building operations.
Key improvements included:
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning modernization with high-efficiency chiller equipment
- LED lighting retrofits with smart controls and occupancy sensors
- Water-saving fixtures throughout the building
- Green cleaning and maintenance practices
- Advanced energy-management systems that monitor and optimize performance
- Drought-tolerant, California-native landscaping surrounding the property
Together, these upgrades significantly reduce energy consumption, water use, and waste, while also improving the day-to-day experience for building occupants. Enhanced air quality, better temperature control and improved lighting contribute to a healthier, more comfortable and productive workspace overall.
Wilshire Center Bruins also benefit from two onsite programs: an ergonomics team offering customized assessments and a fitness center operated in partnership with UCLA Recreation.
Green buildings are a key pillar of the University of California’s sustainability policy and part of UCLA’s own climate action goals. With more than 70 LEED‑certified buildings across campus, Wilshire Center’s achievement adds to a growing portfolio for the university: a clear reflection of UCLA’s leadership in creating healthier, more efficient, and environmentally responsible work environments.