BLOG: Key Strategies for Electrifying Existing Lab Buildings: Focusing on Energy Efficiency First

Achieving net-zero energy in new construction is challenging, but the electrification of existing laboratory facilities is even more complex. Electrifying buildings is vital to decarbonizing the built environment, especially in energy-intensive spaces like laboratories. Laboratories face unique obstacles due to their high energy demands, but adopting an "energy-efficiency first" approach can make electrification feasible. Below are four essential strategies lab or energy managers can implement to achieve building electrification and support net-zero designs.

1. Prioritize Reducing Reheat Demand

Reheat is one of the primary drivers of energy consumption in laboratory buildings, largely due to the need for higher ventilation rates. To mitigate this, optimizing ventilation rates and separating cooling from the airflow system are crucial strategies for reducing reheat demand. Implementing energy-efficient design solutions can greatly decrease the need for reheat, creating a significant impact at various control levels in the building. Understanding the specific factors driving reheat in existing labs is critical and should also be a key focus when designing new facilities.

2. Implement Airflow Optimization

Another effective way to reduce energy use and reheat demand in laboratories is by optimizing airflow. Traditional ventilation systems tend to over-ventilate to ensure safety, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption. A demand control ventilation (DCV) system can solve this by adjusting airflow in real-time based on indoor air quality (IAQ). For example, during a contamination event, the system can temporarily increase airflow to eliminate pollutants and then return to a lower, more energy-efficient level once the air is clean. This approach not only maintains a safe environment but also minimizes energy use, cutting reheat demand by as much as 80% in some cases, allowing for more efficient electrification.

3. Right-Size HVAC Systems for Current Energy Needs

As energy-efficient measures are adopted, a building's energy load profile changes, making it possible to downsize HVAC systems. Right-sizing involves selecting equipment that aligns with the building's new, lower energy requirements rather than relying on outdated baseload estimates. Smaller equipment leads to first cost savings and ongoing utility expenses. Research shows that optimizing airflow alone can have a significant impact, with data suggesting that for every dollar invested in airflow optimization, building owners can save up to $5 in future electrification costs.

4. Implement Innovative Equipment and Infrastructure Solutions

With reduced energy loads, buildings can take advantage of new, smaller, and more efficient electrification options. For example, downsized electric boilers and chillers can be supported by renewable energy sources, further reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Advanced energy management systems (EMS) can be integrated to monitor energy use in real-time, ensuring that the building operates at peak efficiency and in harmony with renewable sources. These innovations not only support the building's electrification goals but also enhance its long-term sustainability and resilience.

Conclusion: Electrification of Lab Buildings is Achievable Today

Electrifying laboratories, despite their energy-intensive nature, is achievable when energy efficiency is the starting point. By focusing on reducing reheat, optimizing airflow, right-sizing HVAC systems, and utilizing modern equipment and renewable energy, building managers can overcome the challenges. This results in more sustainable, cost-effective facilities that contribute to global decarbonization efforts. Remember, every dollar spent on energy efficiency today can lead to substantial savings in future electrification projects, making this approach both economically and environmentally advantageous.