As Singapore moves towards a more knowledge-based economy, with more investments in R&D, more laboratories are being developed. Laboratories and other high technology facilities such as cleanrooms and hospitals, consume five to ten times the amount of energy when compared to office buildings because they are very unique in operation and energy demand. Therefore it is critical to address the unique energy efficiency challenges for these facilities which are vastly different than typical office buildings. Thus the Sustainable Laboratories Group was set up to bring together experts in these areas and develop sustainable laboratories in Singapore.
Typical energy consumption in lab facilities?
- In Singapore, office buildings consume 140-420 kWh/m2/year
- Labs can consume 5-10 times more energy per floor area than office buildings
- Labs can reach up to 100 times more energy than office buildings
Why is energy consumption higher in Labs?
- Typical offices require fresh air of ~ 1 ACH
- Labs often require 100% outdoor air at 6-12 ACH
- Many labs arbitrarily set OA to 15-25 ACH
- Office plug loads 5.4-10.8 W/m2 (0.5-1 W/ft2)
- Laboratory plug loads 21.5-215 W/m2 (2-20 W/ft2)
Objectives of the Sustainable Laboratories Group
- Encourage sustainable design and operation of laboratories in Singapore
- Develop local expertise in building and operating sustainable laboratories
- Encourage the development of studies on laboratory building resource use and environmental performance
- Encourage the development of local guidelines for and case studies of high performance laboratories)
- Laboratory plug loads 21.5-215 W/m2 (2-20 W/ft2)
International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories
The Singapore Sustainable Laboratories Group is affiliated with International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) as its international chapter. I2SL is devoted to the principles of sustainable laboratories and related high-technology facilities, from design to engineering to operation. Through worldwide partnerships and the exchange of technical expertise, I2SL will encourage the development of high-tech facilities that address the rapid pace of science, medicine, research, and development in an ever-changing and dynamic environment. Click here to visit the I2SL website.