Global design firm HOK has released research providing lab owners and developers guidance for reducing operational and embodied carbon to meet net zero goals.
HOK’s initial analysis indicates that it is possible to build and operate labs in accordance with the sustainable design goals of the RIBA and AIA 2030 challenges, according to the report’s executive summary. “The approaches studied in this analysis can significantly reduce the whole-life carbon (operational carbon + embodied carbon × building lifespan) of a lab building,” the document says.
Modelling revealed little difference between vertical and linear lab building forms in achieving net zero. But linear labs’ expansive roofs provide an advantage by allowing for more solar panel arrays.
The analysis examined new lab buildings, but the most sustainable option is to reuse and adapt existing buildings, HOK says. Lab buildings are significantly more energy intensive to operate than commercial office buildings and their embodied carbon also is much higher than typical commercial space. Labs demand far greater ventilation than most building types and are home to highly energy-intensive equipment that is often in operation 24 hours a day. Labs also require robust structural systems to limit building vibration and support heavy building loads.
HOK’s analysis looked at numerous strategies to reduce carbon footprint in lab structures. The report provides technical details on these approaches.
Related Stories
| Jun 5, 2012
HP Labs aims for net-zero energy data centers
Building sustainable data centers is one of the goals of HP Labs, and it believes technology, combined with the right building techniques, could result in the construction of energy-efficient data centers.
| Jun 5, 2012
USGBC delays LEED 2012; renames it LEED v4
In response to concerns by LEED users, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that it will delay the ballot on LEED 2012 until June 1, 2013.
| Jun 5, 2012
Baltimore officials vow to block $1.8 billion urban renewal project
Baltimore officials want to block a $1.8 billion urban renewal project until more neighborhood residents and minority contractors are hired and displaced residents can benefit from the revitalization.
| Jun 5, 2012
OSHA launches campaign to warn of heat dangers in outdoor work
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has begun a campaign to warn outdoor workers about the dangers of heat exposure.
| Jun 5, 2012
AGC’s Safety and Health Conference focuses on regulations, legislation
More than 150 industry professionals and other attendees will participate in the Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC’s) safety and health conference July 11-13 in Washington, D.C.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.
| May 31, 2012
Proposed change in Michigan’s building code would hurt innovation, say critics
Legislation pending before the Michigan Senate would change the law that calls for building codes to be updated every three years to require an update only every six years.
| May 31, 2012
Natural gas industry opposes federal carbon-neutral construction rule
The natural gas industry and some allies are working to block a federal green building rule that was expected to be a national model for carbon-neutral construction.
| May 31, 2012
Lawsuits push the legal boundaries of green building definition
This article explores some legal issues stemming from lawsuits in which plaintiffs have charged developers with not delivering on a promised level of sustainability.
