Design Between the Lines: Sustainability and Life Sciences

This month, sustainability is on my mind. Since listening to Ware Malcomb’s director of sustainability, Erica Godun, give a presentation at this year’s ISPE MAST showcase in Baltimore, Maryland, I’ve been thinking about how I’ve interfaced with sustainability during my career, as well as how my clients have.  

Some may consider it to be a buzzword since initiatives such as “greenwashing” (marketing efforts to make something seem more environmentally friendly than it actually is) can, unfortunately, tarnish the core goals of incorporating sustainable principles when designing and constructing the built environment. When related to the science and tech industry, sustainability can easily be brushed aside as not integral to the building’s function. However, when looking at the life sciences industry in particular, I think there is an obvious and important synergy that should be nurtured: both “disciplines” are aiming to implement techniques, therapies, and products to improve well-being.  

Science and technology programs typically have very power-intensive uses, and the effort to become more sustainable shouldn’t be seen as a threat to the performance of these spaces. Sustainability advocates are not suggesting that building users should have to negatively impact their work in order to be considered “sustainable.” Rather, the goal is to look for small shifts in processes and behavior that can help reduce carbon emissions while improving interior environmental quality and maintaining outputs and productivity. While a switch in thinking can seem overwhelming, Erica pointed out several strategies we can start thinking about from a design and operational standpoint to reduce our carbon footprint and energy draw on a building.

It seems that for many, converting buildings to solely electric power is at the top of their minds, as there has been a recent legislative push for it. There are several jurisdictions nationally that have started implementing timelines for buildings to switch entirely to electric power and phase out gas power. Given the power draw and generator needs for life sciences use, some jurisdictions (such as Montgomery County, MD) have instituted exceptions for this building occupancy type, allowing gas to still be used; however, we cannot assume those exceptions will last forever. Therefore, starting to implement incremental changes now can greatly reduce the stress and disruption caused when buildings do indeed convert to electric use (which, in some instances, may mean a reduction in overall power to the building, depending on what size heavy-up gets approved by the local utility authority).  Below, I detail some of Erica’s tips that I found to be particularly useful and within reach, as well as things we should keep in mind when renovating and designing new lab spaces.

Unplug

The most intriguing and possibly easiest recommendation was to “unplug” unused equipment. It is common knowledge that many pieces of equipment run 24/7 and cannot be turned off under any circumstance (which is where UPS generators enter the conversation). However, that is not the case for all equipment. Some studies have found that turning off unused equipment in the evenings, or whenever not in use, can have dramatic energy savings for a building. And if teams do not want the added stress of remembering which pieces of equipment to shut down and when, there are options to put these items on automatic control systems to turn on and off without any additional tasks added to the end users’ workflow. While this may seem too obvious to be considered a “sustainability technique,” it is an impactful way to shift our thinking toward reducing carbon emissions.

Save Energy, Save Money

Relaying off on the above tip, I loved the reminder that sustainability techniques are cost-saving techniques. It’s very easy to get sticker shock from upfront costs on some more elaborate measures, such as solar panels, but many sustainability efforts indeed result in lower expenditures for tenants and owners. Using less electricity is a clear example since it will result in a lower monthly utility bill, and in the example of unplugging unused equipment, it doesn’t require a reduction in output or any upfront cost to offset.  

Lab Planning and Equipment Placement

Another method of reducing utility usage is to consider the placement of equipment. For example, putting freezers along the window line will not only require more energy to keep the freezer cold due to the sun exposure, but this additional work the freezer has to do will generate more heat, and therefore, more HVAC cooling will need to be used to cool that area. Simply moving the freezer to an interior wall will reduce the electric load and cooling load for the same performance. This has the added benefit of keeping the window line open for activities and programs that will not block the natural daylight.  Similarly, putting fume hoods in smaller rooms instead of out in a large open lab can help make the HVAC balancing and performance more efficient (it should be noted that if the room is too small, that also can be inefficient, it is important to work with a qualified MEP Engineer and Architect to provide guidance on fume hood specifications and room sizing). It is beneficial for designers to keep these spatial considerations in mind when planning a lab space.

Embodied Carbon

The final tidbit I found particularly useful for designers was to consider embodied carbon – the materials we specify a matter, and it is, therefore, important to do our due diligence before adding anything to our finish schedules. Reusing items where applicable is the best way to reduce the embodied carbon in an item, but looking for versions of commonly used finishes with lower embodied carbon is another simple and oftentimes cost-neutral way of being mindful of the environment while we design.

Unfortunately, I do not have space to address the full presentation within this short column, but hopefully, this will inspire others to be a bit more mindful of how we can be good stewards of sustainability as lab designers and occupants. It can seem intimidating at the outset, but with small and incremental adjustments to how we operate, we can smoothly transition into a more electrified world with lower carbon emissions.

Involved in the design industry since 2013, Lori has worked as an architectural designer for several years and currently works as the regional director for Ware Malcomb Washington, DC.

All opinions expressed in Design Between the Lines with Lori Ambrusch are exclusive to the author and are not reflective of Lab Design News.