Where sustainability meets science: exploring the need for a more environmentally responsible life sciences sector

Lab buildings are among the most significant energy consumers in real estate. They often utilise two or three times as much energy as a typical office building, primarily due to systems designed to maintain optimal air quality and temperature and energy-hungry equipment. Addressing this requires a collaborative approach among building owners, occupants and regulatory authorities across all stages of a building’s life cycle.

At our Oxford North science and innovation campus, we achieved carbon reduction through strategic changes such as improved substructure design, adoption of prefabricated components and enhanced material specifications for lower-carbon materials.

To optimise the design, our team carried out enhanced modelling and on-site testing, allowing us to provide reinforcement only where required. This resulted in a 5% reduction in the embodied carbon of the most carbon-intensive element – the superstructure.

Refurbishing existing buildings can present itself as a method for minimising embodied carbon. We successfully retrofitted laboratory space within an existing building at our White City campus.

Delineating zoning, whereby specific areas are created for scientific experiments and write-ups, allows for relaxed specifications and may enable the use of low-carbon materials like structural timber in appropriate areas. However, strict zoning must be balanced with the need for long-term flexibility to accommodate various occupier sizes and scientific fields.

Operational energy usage and efficiency must also be considered during the preliminary design phases. Technological advancements play a significant role in shaping the future of low-carbon laboratories. We prioritise facade performance, passive design solutions and advanced HVAC systems to substantially reduce energy consumption without compromising safety or functionality.

Demand-controlled ventilation, heat recovery systems and reduced air change rates, particularly in non-laboratory areas, can cut energy use while maintaining required air quality. Smart building technologies support operational efficiency by providing real-time data on energy usage, enabling better management and optimisation.

“Building labs for the future is about more than cutting carbon – it’s about ensuring scientific innovation thrives responsibly”

Occupier awareness and engagement also play a vital role in reducing environmental impact. Property managers can promote awareness among lab personnel about the consumption of their equipment by encouraging practices like metering, switching off and sharing equipment.

For example, at our White City campus, our thriving science hub, we host regular sustainability forums to inspire occupiers to actively improve workplace sustainability. We benchmark environmental performance, encourage recycling and energy conservation through friendly competitions and invite guest speakers from local charities and community groups. This approach facilitates feedback, aiding us to better support occupiers’ ESG goals. 

The next frontier is for property managers to engage with occupiers to help provide them with more sustainable products or service options, or help facilitate consolidated deliveries. This kind of support is ever more pertinent for the small start-up labs, where sustainability-focused resources are limited.

Building labs for the future is about more than cutting carbon – it’s about ensuring scientific innovation thrives responsibly. By adopting sustainable construction methods, enhancing operational efficiency and cultivating a culture of awareness, the scientific community can strike a balance between innovation and sustainability.

Nils Rage, head of ESG, Stanhope