Applied Biosystems Building D is a LEED Silver certified project. It was Pleasanton's first LEED certified project, and the City now requires the use of the LEED checklist as a guideline for all new commercial and civic buildings in the city. Applied Biosystems Building D is a two-story, 95,000 SF laboratory and commercial office building, which represents the initial phase of a larger site development, with the total future build-out of the corporate campus expected to reach nearly 1,000,000 SF.

Almost half of the 80-acre site is designated for open space. Furthermore, the site was previously an industrial "brownfield" site and as part of its redevelopment, the soil was remediated to a level well beyond what was required; this resulted in a LEED innovation point for the project. A stormwater management system has been implemented utilizing grass-lined bioswales and detention ponds. A high-efficiency central irrigation system was installed to reduce water use, and landscape plantings were selected to reintroduce native plant species.

Energy performance was optimized to achieve energy savings of almost 25% beyond Title 24-2001 requirements. Energy optimization was partly achieved through the use of sunshades and a white reflective roof surface. The building was sited with its longest facade facing north/south for solar orientation. Roof forms were shaped to maximize the effectiveness of photovoltaic arrays and to minimize air-conditioning requirements. The building systems have undergone an extensive commissioning process.

Ceramic tiles, carpet, paint, steel, thermal insulation, and the building façade materials were chosen based on green criteria such as high recycled content and low toxicity. Over 60% of new wood materials used in the project were certified in accordance with Forest Stewardship Council sustainable forestry guidelines. And about 80% of the project's demolition and construction waste was diverted from landfills through recycling or salvage.

Various indoor environmental quality strategies were implemented for the project, including CO2 monitoring and thermal comfort measures. Indoor Air Quality testing was also performed to ensure that the building is safe for occupants.

This project was presented as a case study at the Labs21 2004 Annual Conference.