Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
By
E. Scott Kreitlein, AIA LEED APDanielle Henry, Laboratory Planner
Learning Objectives
1. Sustainable planning & design concepts that benefit the typical vivarium
2. Advancements in equipment & technology typically found in life sciences laboratory environments, and how the incorporation of this equipment impacts the overall sustainability plan of the building
3. The importance of detailed analysis of workflow, standard operating procedure, and innovative engineering approaches to optimize energy conservation
4. Understand the unique design concepts associated with planning a life science related project in an extremely harsh climate
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
AGENDA
BackgroundConcepts & StrategiesSystems & MaterialsEquipment & TechnologyOperationsConcepts Applied
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Background
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Background
Scientific FactLimited ResourcesEnvironmental ImpactEconomic FactorsPolitical Discourse
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5
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20
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35
1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
United States
Europe & Eurasia
China
India
Rest of World
Rest of Asia
Rest of Americas
Global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions 1980- 2019(billion metric tons)
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy StatisticsGreta Thunberg – Youth Environmental Activist
Buildings account for 40% of total national energy usageLighting, heating, cooling, appliances, equipment, circulation
Life Science Building Energy Consumption 3 to 4 times higher than an office building2/3 of the energy used in a laboratory related to meeting ACH
Vivarium Energy Consumption1.5 to 2.5 times more energy than traditional science facilities
2030 ChallengeCurrently at 40%Goal
▪ 50% reduction in Embodied Carbon Emissions by 2030▪ Zero Embodied Carbon Emissions by 2050
Today 2025 20302050
The 2030 Challenge forEmbodied Carbon
Building, Infrastructure & Materials
Reduction
Embodied Carbon Emissions
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Background
Extract Raw Material
Transport
Manufacture Building Material
Transport to the siteBuild
Operate
End of Life
Embodied Energy & Carbon
Embodied Carbon Emission
The amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere from creating & maintaining the materials that form buildings
e.g. the carbon dioxide released from the baking of bricks or smelting of iron.
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Background
10%2%
5%
48%9%
4%
22%
ManufacturingTransportationEnd-of-Life ManagementRaw Material ExtractionBuildTransport to siteOperations
Concepts & Strategies
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Goals & ObjectivesGuidelines & RecommendationsLocal & Regional Energy CodesRisk AnalysisStandard Operating ProceduresBiosafety & BiosecurityNet Zero Carbon Footprint
Concepts & Strategies
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Sustainability in Life Science Facilities has become the norm
Why?
CostCodesCulture
Concepts & Strategies
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Building Type
Source: Inventory of Carbon & Energy Database
Energy Use Index Per Building Type
EUI
(En
ergy
Use
Ind
ex)
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts & Strategies
Laboratories53%
8%3% 7% 21%
4%
3%1%
Laboratory Energy Usage
Heating Cooling
Ventilation Other
Lighting Refrigeration
Office Equipment Water Heating
64% HVAC
Concepts to Consider
Embodied energy useLife cycle & return on investmentCarbon generationWaste managementRecycle programsTransportationProduct Sources
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts & Strategies
Concepts to Consider, cont.
Passive designEnvironmental impactInterior atmosphereMaintenance, repair & replacementDurabilityFunctionality
Elements of Passive Building Design
Solar orientation Solar Water Heating
Airtight Construction Efficient Air Conditioning
Heavy Insulation Building shape
High-efficiency windows/doors Vegetation type & placement
Shading devices Wind breaks
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Systems & Materials
Environmentally responsible systems & materials in vivarium are:
Acquired locallyHigh in recycled contentProduced efficientlyPart of a recycling planFunctional & durableNatural…where possibleCompliant w/ the “Guide”Support the safety & welfare of both man & animal
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Consider the embodied carbon foot print
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Alu
min
um
Fib
ergl
ass
Bra
ss
Lead
Zin
c
Pla
stic
Stee
l
Co
pp
er
Vin
yl
Insu
lati
on
Cem
ent
Gla
ss
Cer
amic
s
Pla
ster
bo
ard
Tim
ber
Bri
cks
Co
ncr
ete
Stra
w
Sto
ne
Kg
CO
2/K
G
Building Material
The Embodied Carbon of Building Materials
Source: Inventory of Carbon & Energy Database
StructureArchitectureHVACWater & SanitationBuilding AutomationEquipment & Technology
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Structure
Division 3 – Reinforced ConcreteRecycled concrete - w/ fly ash, furnish slag per EPA guidelines
Structural tubes – post consumer recycled paper
Division 4 –MasonryCMU - recycled material fly ash, wood fiber & polystyrene
Division 5 - SteelRecycled Steel - highly energy-intensive
Division 6 – Wood & Plastics
Structural Fiberboard - 80-100% recovered materials
Plastics – High recycled content
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Materials & Products
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Materials Construction End-of-Life Mat'ls + Const.+ EOL
Ene
rgy
(10
4TJ
)
Life Cycle Phases
Steel vs. Concrete Frame Building:Whole Building Life-cycle Energy Consumption
Building w/ Steel Frame Building w/ Concrete Frame
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Materials & Products
29%
3%7%
25%
10%
21%
5%
Embodied Energy Fit Out
Interior Partitions
Interior Doors
Wall Finishes
Floor Finishes
Ceilings
Furniture
Casework
Architecture
Division 7 – Thermal & Moisture ProtectionFire Protection Steel - contain 75% recycled slag (rock) by weight
Structural tubes – post consumer recycled paper
Division 8 – Doors & WindowsHollow metal doors & frames - 30% recycled content
Division 9 - FinishesEpoxy Floors - recycled glass up to 12% of recycled content
Division 10 - SpecialtiesShower & toilet compartments - recycled plastic or steel
Division 11 – EquipmentLaboratory equipment or casework -recycled product or constructed of stainless steel materials w/ 10–30% recycled content
Metal casework - 30–40% recycled content
Architecture
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Finishes
Maximum recycled content w/o compromising on
…the research objective…compliance w/ the guidelines…durability…sanitation…sterilization…aesthetics…indoor air quality
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
Drivers
▪ High-energy use▪ Operating costs - decrease energy bills▪ Building codes▪ Directional Airflow▪ Humidity requirements▪ Redundancy▪ Develop a strategy early
53%
8%
3%7% 21%
4%
3%
1%
Laboratory Energy Usage
Heating Cooling
Ventilation Other
Lighting Refrigeration
Office Equipment Water Heating
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Strategies
▪ Exhaust Air Heat Recovery▪ Low Pressure Drop Design▪ Demand Control Ventilation▪ Right-Sizing Ventilation
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery
▪ Enthalpy Wheel• Cross contamination• Maintenance issues - moving parts• 70-78% efficient
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery
▪ Enthalpy Wheel• Cross contamination• Maintenance issues - moving parts• 70-78% efficient
▪ Plate Exchanger• Minimal cross contamination• Minimal maintenance – cleaning• 55-65% efficient
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Exhaust Air Heat Recovery
▪ Enthalpy Wheel• Cross contamination• Maintenance issues - moving parts• 70-78% efficient
▪ Plate Exchanger• Minimal cross contamination• Minimal maintenance – cleaning• 55-65% efficient
▪ Heat Pipe• No cross contamination• Minimal maintenance – cleaning• 55-60% efficient
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heat In
Heat Out
Low Pressure Drop Design
▪ Lower resistance in the distribution system ▪ Smaller fan sizes = larger ductwork▪ More raw material
• sheet metal• support elements• structure – steel or concrete
▪ Floor to floor heights▪ Higher initial costs
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Demand Control Ventilation
▪ Ventilation based on need▪ Passive
• Based on occupancy• Relies on user interface• Low cost solution• Limited savings
▪ Active• Based on technology• Relies on sensors• Installation & maintenance costs• Return on investment
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, cont.
Right Sizing Ventilation
▪ Airflow optimization• AHU sizing• Duct size• Flow control
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Water & Sanitation
Grey water storage & use
Equipment cycles
Hydrogen Peroxide Sanitation• Cleans• Sterilizes• Minimal surface degradation• Non-toxic
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Open pen pre-wash, irrigation, flushing toilets, heat reclamation
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Equipment & Technology
Equipment & Technology
Energy Star for efficiencyAir particulate monitoringWater ConsumptionLighting Building Automation
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
L.E.D. Lighting
Energy CostsMaintenanceHeating LoadLight Quality
Useful Light energy = 90 J
LEDlightbulb
Wasteful heat energy = 10 J
Useful Light energy = 20 J
Wasteful heat energy = 80 JIncandescent
lightbulb
Total Energy Input = 100 J (Joules) of electrical Energy
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Building Automation System – monitor, measure, & control
▪ Air particulate▪ Fume hoods▪ HVAC systems▪ Personnel access▪ ACH rate▪ Lighting & shading devices▪ Room climate –
• Temperature• Airflow• Humidity
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Systems & Materials
Courtesy of Building Efficiency for a Sustainable Tomorrow & Siemens
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Operations
Cage processing cyclesBased upon efficacy tests
Cage typesMulti-use or Single-use Static, IVCMaterial
Personal Protection EquipmentCloth or paper
Animal Water supplyAutomatic or Bottles
Maintenance & UpkeepPeak operational efficiency
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Operations
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities
Concepts Applied – A Cold Case Study
Nazarbayev University Research Animal FacilityAstana, Kazakhstan
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Project Location
Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan
Name change March 2019Population of 1.08 million Second Most Remote Capital in the worldOil & gas based economy
ClimateHottest month July (69oF avg)Coldest month January (5o F avg)Wettest month July (.39” avg)Windiest month December (10 mph avg)Annual precip. 2.06”(per year)
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan- Kazakhstan’s capital city – 2nd coldest in the world- Population: 1.08 million (2019)- Age: 22 years old
Baiterek Tower- 330 feet tall
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Astana, KazakhstanNur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
National Headquarters of Kaz Munay Gas Company
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Astana, Kazakhstan
Khan Shatyr Entertainment CenterArchitect: Norman FosterWorld’s largest tent
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Nazarbayev University- Founded 2010- Student Population – 4, 836
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Nazarbayev University - Main Atrium
Nazarbayev University
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Project Location
Astana International Airport
Nazarbayev University Research Animal Facility
Location: Astana (Nur-Sultan), KazakhstanSize: 40,000 gsf in two levels w/ interstitial space above the first level and penthouse
Site: Nazarbayev UniversityResearch Directive:
Veterinary Surgical Research
Translational ResearchMicrobiology StudiesPharmacology
Design Requirements: ABSL-3 ProtocolsDesign Services Provided:
Programming & Design Development
Project Site
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
NORTH
Main Atrium
Project Site
25 rabbits, housed one per cage
3,400 research mice & 600 stock mice housed 5/cage in IVC racks
200 nude mice, housed 5/cage in IVC racksBarrier protocols
1,200 research rats & 50 stock rats housed in IVC racks
2nd Floor
Calves included in the future
4 dogs, housed in open pens, in single roomABSL-2 protocols
4 pigs, housed in open pens, in single room ABSL-2 protocols
5 sheep, housed in open pens, in single room
ABSL-2 protocols
1st Floor
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Animal Species
Large and Small AnimalsABSL-2 ProtocolsRodents in IVC’sLarge animals in open pensLocally supplied
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Program - 1st Floor- 20,000 sf
Building SupportBuilding Support
Admin/StaffAnimal Surgery
Animal Holding
Main Entrance Loading Dock
Vertical Circulation
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Program -2nd Floor- 20,000 sf Building
Support
Admin/Staff
Animal Holding Cash
Processing
Animal Procedure
Animal Procedure
Vertical Circulation
Spaces - 1st Floor
- Large Animal Housing- Surgical Suite- Animal Recovery- Quarantine- Diagnostic Lab- Locker Rooms
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
SPACE TYPE LEGEND
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
SPACE TYPE LEGEND
Spaces – 2nd Floor
- Rodent Housing- Cage Processing- Behavior Suite- Quarantine- Procedure Rooms- Biochemistry Lab- Staff Offices- Locker Room
Cold Climate Considerations
Temperature deviationsSnow & ice accumulationInsulation R valuesThermal breaksBuilding envelopeHVAC system
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Programmatic Recommendations
▪ Efficient layout & circulation▪ Maximize local material & equipment▪ Reduce cage processing cycles▪ Extensive recycling program▪ Grey water system▪ VHP sanitation▪ Wash & recycle PPE program
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Architectural Recommendations
▪ Passive Solar Design• Wind shielding • Solar orientation
▪ Rectilinear footprint▪ Use of local natural materials ▪ High insulation values▪ Detailing thermal breaks▪ Interior loading dock▪ Energy efficient windows & doors▪ Limited exterior openings▪ Group locations of utility penetrations
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
HVAC Considerations
Basis▪ A cold, dry, predominately heating climate▪ Space temperature = 23.9oC (75oF)▪ Design humidity = 30% min.
ObservationsCentral Chilled Water System is not recommended• Limited use – less the 25% of the year• Susceptible to freezing
Refrigerant-based, split system cooling system isrecommended• Adaptable• Supports precise temperature control for multiple individual
zones
Radiant heating in along perimeter in non-lab/vivarium zones
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
HVAC Recommendations
Energy RecoveryWater Based System• Hydronic loop to recover waste heat from lab & vivarium spaces• Propylene glycol to prevent freezing• Target 50% effectiveness• No odor & contamination transfer• Supports a variety of system configurations
Heat-pipe system an acceptable alternative
Administration Environments air to be recirculated• Lab & vivarium air - single pass thru
Link exhaust canopy hoods w/ the washing cycles
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Energy Conservation Recommendation Summary
1. Passive sustainable site design2. High insulation values3. High efficiency systems4. Detail given to thermal breaks5. Interior Loading Dock6. Extended cage change times7. Water based heat recovery system8. Occupancy sensors9. Modulation of supply & exhaust w/ VFDs
10. Recirculate air11. Radiant heating loop around perimeter12. Extensive BAS monitoring & control13. Grey water system
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities Concepts Applied
Questions?
Proven Sustainability Concepts Applied to Life Science Facilities