Your Guide to Sustainable Lab Furniture Solutions

There's an undeniable truth that has long loomed over hubs of groundbreaking research – laboratories are notorious energy consumers.

According to insights from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the energy consumption in American laboratories can reach staggering levels, surpassing that of traditional office buildings by five to ten times per square foot. The stats are eye-opening – some labs, comparable in size to commercial structures, can use up to 100 times more energy.

Canadian laboratories face the same challenges posed by the energy-intensive nature of labs, especially those housing specialized processes such as cleanrooms and high-process load environments. It's a conundrum that not only impacts the environment but also exerts a significant strain on operating budgets.

In this blog post, we delve into insights and solutions to incorporate sustainable practices in laboratory design. With this guide, you will be able to transform your lab spaces into beacons of efficiency, reducing environmental impact and operating costs simultaneously.

Minimizing Environmental Footprint

Sustainable laboratory design is increasingly focusing on reducing environmental impact, centering on key aspects such as energy efficiency, waste minimization, and judicious resource utilization. The incorporation of eco-friendly materials, such as GreenGuard Certified Countertops, alongside energy-efficient systems, plays a pivotal role in this approach. Additionally, implementing comprehensive waste reduction strategies is crucial in these settings. By adopting these practices, laboratories can markedly decrease their ecological footprint. This commitment to sustainability not only aligns with international environmental objectives but also exemplifies responsible resource management, a principle of growing importance in the scientific community and beyond.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Laboratories are often associated with significant energy consumption. However, sustainable design practices are changing this narrative by integrating energy-efficient lighting, advanced ventilation systems, and eco-friendly equipment. These measures lead to notable energy savings, which not only reduce the operational expenses for laboratories but also contribute to wider efforts in energy conservation. One of the most impactful changes is the transition from standard ducted fume hoods to advanced filtered technology. This shift alone can significantly reduce energy usage - to put it in perspective, a single traditional ducted fume hood can consume as much energy as 3.5 average homes! The long-term financial benefits of these reduced energy costs strongly advocate for the adoption of sustainable practices in laboratory settings, particularly in the Canadian scientific landscape.

Attracting Talent and Funding

In an age where sustainability is at the forefront of priorities for both individuals and organizations, laboratories that adopt sustainable design principles are emerging as frontrunners in the scientific community. These forward-thinking facilities not only attract top-tier professionals but are also more likely to attract funding from entities that prioritize environmental responsibility. Embracing sustainability aligns laboratories with wider global environmental goals, thereby elevating their reputation and influence in the scientific arena. This commitment to eco-friendly practices fosters an environment conducive to collaborative ventures and strategic partnerships, further solidifying their standing as leaders in scientific innovation and environmental stewardship.

Labconco's Protector Echo Hoods: A Green Revolution in Laboratory Safety and Efficiency

Canadian Scientific is proud to offer game changing sustainable products such as Labconco's Protector Echo Filtered Green Fume Hood. Designed to surpass the limitations of typical ductless hoods, the Echo offers unparalleled efficiency, versatility, and environmental responsibility. The Protector Echo has become a preferred choice for laboratories embracing sustainability without compromising safety or performance. Key Features Include:

Wide Chemical Compatibility

The Protector Echo outshine traditional ductless hoods by handling a broader range of chemicals, thanks to the patented Neutrodine Unisorb® filters. This versatility allows labs to conduct a variety of applications that might be challenging for typical ductless hoods.

Energy Efficiency

These fume hoods boast a remarkable 99% lower monthly HVAC cost compared to traditional ducted hoods. By eliminating the need for ductwork, these hoods not only reduce installation time but also significantly cut down on operational expenses. This substantial reduction in utility costs is a win for both the environment and project budgets.

Versatility Without Ductwork

Unlike traditional ductless fume hoods, the Protector Echo is engineered with the containment features and utility options of traditional ducted hoods. The absence of ductwork simplifies installation, minimizes project costs, and allows for quick setup without the disruptions associated with construction.

Remote Monitoring and Simplified Interface

The redesigned Echo features a simplified interface for effortless operation and maintenance. Moreover, these fume hoods can be remotely monitored via a Wi-Fi connected app, providing customizable status updates for added convenience.

The Protector Echo Hoods represent a significant leap forward in laboratory safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. With a commitment to sustainability, we have created a solution that not only meets the diverse needs of modern laboratories but also contributes to a greener and more cost-effective future. For laboratories seeking an optimal balance between performance and environmental responsibility, the Protector Echo offer a compelling solution.

Canadian Scientific’s Sustainable Impact – Air Master Systems

Our partnership with AMS has significantly advanced sustainability, particularly in areas like laser cutting efficiency and recycling. AMS demonstrates remarkable precision in their laser cutting processes, skillfully minimizing waste by cutting close to the edges of steel sheets. This practice reduces the volume of discarded material, and any surplus steel is conscientiously recycled. Notably, AMS sources all its steel domestically from the United States, thereby cutting down on transportation emissions, in line with the Build America, Buy America Act of 2022. With approximately 1,210,000 lbs. of steel recycled per project, AMS effectively converts waste into reusable material, guided by our expert engineers who meticulously optimize each piece of steel to minimize waste.

In their dedication to sustainability, AMS employs a self-contained wash tank system as part of their painting process. This sophisticated system includes three separate pumps and tanks and operates in two phases: an initial chemical cleaning to remove oils and impurities from the steel, followed by a thorough rinse. Annually, the water from the wash is treated and disposed of by a third-party service, while the rinse water undergoes a boiling process to eliminate impurities, making it reusable.

The recycling of water has resulted in substantial savings:

• 637 Gallons per Minute, amounting to 17,811,660 Million Gallons per year
• 490 Gallons per Minute, totaling 13,400,800 Million Gallons per year

Furthermore, the advanced powder coating line is not only efficient but environmentally friendly. This cutting-edge line reclaims up to 87% of the powder used, capturing nearly all of it. The small fraction that is not reused by our standards is sent to a Michigan-based company for recycling into new powder for other applications. The integrated filter system adeptly recycles clean powder back into the coating process. Additionally, red light curtains accurately measure each part, allowing computers to precisely control the amount of powder sprayed, ensuring no excess use.

AMS’s Ecological Contributions (2019 - 2022):

• Steel Recycled: 4,840,000 lbs.
• Chemical Wash Recycled: 71,246,640 Gallons
• Water Pump Recycling: 53,603,200 Gallons

Sustainable laboratory design goes beyond being a mere trend; it's a strategic necessity for progressive scientific spaces. This approach is about more than just minimizing environmental impact and reducing costs. It enhances researcher well-being and attracts top talent, establishing laboratories as centers of innovation and responsibility. At Canadian Scientific, our commitment to sustainable design is unwavering. We see it as a vital catalyst for positive change in scientific research, effectively combining the pursuit of knowledge with environmental conservation.

For a tailored consultation on how to integrate sustainable solutions into your laboratory, connect with Canadian Scientific Lab Systems. We offer a range of products and services designed to meet the unique needs of your laboratory setting. To begin a conversation or to arrange a meeting, please reach out to us at info@canadianscientific.ca. Together, we can build a future where scientific progress and environmental sustainability coexist.

Sources:

DiDonna, M. (2021, May 28). Designing and building a “green” lab. Lab Manager. https://www.labmanager.com/designing-and-building-a-green-lab-25969