Designing Labs for Tomorrow: Sustainability and Innovation Take Center Stage at the 2025 Lab Design Conference
The 2025 Lab Design Conference is spotlighting groundbreaking approaches to sustainable laboratory design, underscoring the industry's collective commitment to reducing the environmental impact of high-energy-use lab spaces.
From carbon-neutral frameworks to disaster resilience, conference sessions will offer essential insights into the future of eco-friendly labs. AIA-accredited educational sessions will discuss key themes, including carbon-neutrality as a standard, resilience to climate change, collaboration for complex goals, repurposing existing facilities, health and wellbeing, and more.
Read about some of the sessions that will offer insight into the path forward for lab spaces that are adaptable, efficient, and environmentally responsible. Join us in Denver to discuss the latest in sustainable lab design and renovation.
Designing Towards Absolute Zero Carbon Labs
This session emphasizes the energy-intensive nature of laboratories, which use up to 20 times more energy than typical office spaces. Tackling this challenge requires advanced design principles focused on passive, all-electric design, adaptive reuse, 24/7 renewable energy sourcing, and the use of carbon-sequestering materials. Real-world examples showcase the application of these strategies to achieve deep carbon reductions in lab operations and construction materials. Key takeaways include a multidisciplinary approach, combining architecture, engineering, and sustainable behavior adaptation, aiming to meet the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality within the decade.
The Armed Forces Radiobiological Research Institute (AFRRI) renovation is a shining example of how existing buildings can be adapted to meet modern sustainability standards. Certified LEED V4 Silver, the project demonstrates that even technical research facilities can be repurposed to lower carbon footprints. The session discusses how building renovation can help institutions reduce emissions, explaining that "green planning" not only benefits the environment but also offers long-term financial and operational advantages. These insights encourage labs to consider retrofitting as a viable pathway to carbon neutrality.
cGMP and Fossil Fuel-Free—United Therapeutics Project Lightyear
United Therapeutics’ Project Lightyear is pioneering sustainability in a highly regulated sector: pharmaceutical cold storage. This session covers the intricate design of a fossil-fuel-free, net-zero facility with cGMP compliance, leveraging geothermal, photovoltaic (PV), and battery storage systems to achieve energy independence. The project features a custom microgrid and a full battery backup in place of traditional fossil-fuel generators, setting a bold precedent for similar facilities. The session provides valuable insights into balancing energy efficiency with strict regulatory standards, offering a template for sustainable innovation in lab infrastructure.
Too Much Water and Too Little—Protecting Vital Operations
With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, labs must be designed for resilience. This session explores how to safeguard critical research facilities against power interruptions, natural disasters, and emergencies that could disrupt operations. Drawing on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) standards, presenters discuss best practices for siting, designing, and operating labs to maintain functionality during climate-related events. This proactive approach includes infrastructure upgrades and emergency management planning, emphasizing the need for resilient design as an essential component of sustainability.
Enhancing Research Outcomes Through Sustainable and Innovative Lab Design
Flinders University in South Australia has set new standards for sustainable lab design with its Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB). This facility integrates biophilic design principles, WELL and LEED certification, and a Platinum WiredScore for digital infrastructure. Its all-renewable energy approach, cultural respect for Indigenous narratives, and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration make it a model for sustainable lab environments. The session emphasizes the role of stakeholder engagement and community-focused design in achieving sustainability, particularly through features that promote visual and physical connectivity.
Colorado’s First Net Zero Energy & All-Electric Life Sciences Building
Ridgeway Science & Technology’s facility in Colorado aims for net-zero energy and carbon-neutral operation, designed to LEED Platinum and WELL Gold standards. Through a blend of innovative core services and a borehole thermal energy storage system, the building is adaptable for future tenants with cleanrooms and vivarium space. The session discusses the project’s use of hybrid solar systems, energy recovery technologies, and advanced HVAC solutions. Early performance modeling and energy optimization strategies played a crucial role in meeting its sustainability goals, setting a high bar for future life sciences facilities.
Advancing Sustainability in Laboratory Design: A Comprehensive Overview of Smart Labs
In the closing general session, the focus shifts to the US Federal Energy Management Program’s (FEMP) Smart Labs initiative, which aims to reduce carbon footprints in federal labs by enhancing energy efficiency and operational standards. Smart Labs typically reduce energy waste by up to 50 percent, employing technologies that monitor and control ventilation, lighting, and HVAC systems. Real-life examples demonstrate the positive impact of this approach, with tools like the Smart Labs Toolkit providing labs with resources for sustainable transformation. This program underscores the importance of federal leadership in sustainable lab design and the potential for scalable, energy-efficient solutions.
Register today to attend the 2025 Lab Design Conference in Denver!
