Laboratories are among the most energy-intensive spaces in the built environment. Their complex systems, high ventilation requirements, and around-the-clock operations make energy efficiency a particular challenge—but also a tremendous opportunity. By rethinking space utilization, making data-driven decisions, and integrating sustainable technologies, it’s possible to design labs that perform at a high level while significantly reducing energy demands.

Rethinking Space: The Cost of Every Square Foot

One of the most effective strategies in designing energy-efficient labs starts with space optimization. Lab environments are expensive to heat, cool, and ventilate, often consuming three to five times more energy than standard commercial buildings. That’s why every square foot of lab space must be intentional.

Understanding how each space will be used helps teams right-size the building. Rather than over-building and over-conditioning, designers can allocate resources where they matter most, ensuring that every conditioned area is justified by its programmatic value.

Aquinas College’s Albertus Magnus Hall of Science

When Aquinas College partnered with TowerPinkster to renovate and expand its science center, this principle played a key role. A thorough discovery revealed that the existing building was undersized due to the college’s academic ambitions. Rather than cramming more into less, the design team proposed a two-phase expansion plan that nearly doubled the facility’s size, ensuring that future needs could be met without waste.

The renovated portion of the building now houses research labs, classrooms, offices, and student collaboration zones. The new addition features state-of-the-art teaching labs, a large lecture hall, and simulation clinics explicitly designed for nursing students. Programs like biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and nursing now have dedicated, efficient, and flexible spaces supporting current and future growth.

Notably, the project achieved an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 79, an exceptional benchmark for a science facility. This low EUI underscores the effectiveness of the design team’s energy strategies, including right-sized systems, heat recovery, and high-performance building envelopes.

The building’s sustainable design didn’t go unnoticed. The Albertus Magnus Hall of Science was honored as the Green Project of the Year by the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and also received design awards from AIA Grand Rapids and American School & University. It’s a shining example of how sustainable strategies and academic excellence can go hand in hand.

Another Standout Example: Delta College Midland Center

Another leading example of sustainable lab design is the Delta College Midland Center, which showcases biology and chemistry laboratories. Designed with energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in mind, the facility is proudly LEED Gold certified and delivers impressive performance metrics.

The building achieves an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) 66, outperforming most traditional lab facilities. Just as notable, the Midland Center delivers 41% energy cost savings, thanks to its thoughtful system design, high-efficiency lighting and HVAC, and an emphasis on reducing waste throughout the building lifecycle.

Combining hands-on science education with high-performance architecture, the Midland Center supports Delta College’s commitment to innovation, community investment, and long-term sustainability.

Informed Design: Data Drives Performance

One of the often-overlooked drivers of lab energy efficiency is accurate, early-stage data availability. A detailed equipment list, staffing plan, and schedule of operations can help engineers design systems that are genuinely fit for purpose.

Without this level of insight, mechanical systems are frequently oversized as a precaution, which leads to higher first costs and ongoing energy waste. The more stakeholders contributing during the planning phase, the better the outcome. The Aquinas and Delta College projects benefited from this approach, ensuring that HVAC systems and lab configurations were designed around real usage, not hypothetical models.

Heat Recovery: Turning Waste into Opportunity

Laboratories must exhaust large volumes of contaminated air outdoors to ensure occupant safety and air quality. While this air cannot be recirculated, its heat can still be recovered. By capturing thermal energy from the exhaust stream, facilities can preheat incoming fresh air, reducing the energy needed for heating. This strategy is especially valuable in colder climates like the Midwest, where winter heating demands are high, helping labs lower their reliance on traditional fuel sources and improve overall energy efficiency.

Beyond Efficiency: Moving Toward Net-Zero

While designing a net-zero energy laboratory is an ambitious goal, it’s becoming increasingly attainable with the help of renewable technologies. Geothermal systems offer consistent heating and cooling using the earth’s natural temperature, while solar arrays can offset electricity consumption from the grid.

By combining these systems with optimized mechanical design, it’s possible to reduce Energy Use Intensity (EUI) to around 100 kBtu/sf/year—a fraction of the 300–400 kBtu/sf/year typical for conventionally designed labs.

The Albertus Magnus Hall of Science and Delta College Midland Center demonstrate what’s achievable with a forward-thinking approach. Their low EUIs—79 and 66—prove that even complex STEM environments can achieve meaningful energy savings and encourage movement toward net-zero labs.