Phil Kelly, Partner at Ridge, and Deputy Research and Technical Officer at I2SL’s UK chapter
How do you define a “sustainable” laboratory? Net Zero, BREEAM, LEED, Ska, WELL, LEAF – the potential metrics go on and on, and each is continually evolving. It’s no wonder that owners and operators of science assets often feel unsure where to begin.
Going all-electric to phase out fossil fuels onsite is a good start, but efficiency is important too – neither grid capacity nor renewable energy are unlimited. That’s why the Net Zero Buildings Standard (NZBS) sets maximum energy use intensity limits, to show project teams what they should be aiming for. For a new science and technology building in 2025, the target EUI is 305 kWh/m2/yr.
Why Net Zero targets aren’t enough for labs
The problem with such blanket figures is that no two buildings are alike, let alone two laboratories. Their EUI will be determined by the kind of science taking place within them, and particularly the use of fume cupboards. For some types of laboratory, an EUI of 305 kWh/m2/yr will be unattainable – best practice might be closer to 700 kWh/m2/yr. Others might be able to get as low as 100 kWh/m2/yr.
Until now, there has been very little data to support UK lab operators to make informed, evidence-based decisions. The Laboratory Benchmarking Tool could be a gamechanger. It is hosted by the International Institute of Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL), as part of its Labs2Zero programme, and there are nearly 1,500 buildings in its database.
Greater clarity through benchmarking
Benchmarking is a valuable complement to certifications like NZBS and BREEAM, because it can show what “good” looks like for a specific type of lab. Operators can compare energy use, emissions and operational practices of similar facilities, located in similar climates, and even the technical specifications of systems and equipment. This provides much greater clarity around how efficiently they are using energy and, combined with the new Actionable Insights & Measures (AIM) reports, where they could reduce consumption, without impacting the science.
Data sharing will make the tool even better
The I2SL has chapters across the US and in Australia, China and Singapore, and it launched in the UK earlier this year. I’m a member of the newly formed Research and Technical group, which is working to bring the Labs2Zero programme, including the benchmark, into a common framework with UK environmental criteria. What we need now is for UK operators to get involved, give us their feedback on the data, and start sharing their own – to help create an even better, more globally relevant tool.
We’re also hoping the I2SL will become a valuable resource for the science sector as it navigates an oncoming avalanche of new environmental standards and targets, including the update to Part L of the Building Regulations, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) that all landlords must comply with, and BREEAM V7. These affect every sector, but it will be particularly challenging to apply them to highly technical, energy-intensive science assets. The I2SL aims to become a go-to destination for advice and support, and we invite UKSPA members to engage with us as they continue their sustainability journey.
- Phil Kelly is a Partner at Ridge, and Deputy Research and Technical Officer for the UK chapter of the International Institute of Sustainable Laboratories, of which Ridge is a founding member. Explore the Laboratory Benchmarking Tool at https://lbt.i2sl.org
