Efficient Lab Retrofits: Teaching Old Labs New Tricks

Jonathan Friedan, Joseph A. D'Alù, and Dennis Potter, P.E., Ballinger

Objectives:

Laboratory design discussions often concentrate on new construction, placing little emphasis on the potential to reuse existing lab buildings. With the large number aging research facilities and increasing demand for new, usable research space on the rise, there lies the under-explored opportunity for owners to renovate and recommission their existing facilities. In the process of this recommissioning, designs for building re-use should promote the same levels of lab safety, program flexibility and energy efficiency typical of new structures in the building as a whole. These concepts are not limited to the labs alone, but to the entire building infrastructure, and can significantly extend the building's useful life.

In this presentation, combining new ideas and project experiences, we will introduce and examine a number of design strategies that will aid in the adaptation of existing laboratory buildings into new, flexible research spaces. By implementing these strategies we hope to demonstrate that the benefits of infrastructure upgrades can be maximized while minimizing building down time and the need for off-site flex space during renovation.

Findings:

Existing laboratory buildings can be renovated to meet the needs of today's research in lieu of costly new construction. Replacement of distributed infrastructure systems with centralized systems can maximize program flexibility and minimize future building downtime. Centralized systems have greater reliability while reducing the number of components and associated maintenance. While total systems replacement may have a higher first cost, they can often be cost-effective during the life of the building.

Concepts for discussion shall include:

• Conversion of constant volume systems to variable volume systems (when appropriate) to improve flexibility and maximize efficiency;
• Conversion of distributed supply/exhaust systems to manifolded systems to minimize system capacity requirements;
• Application of energy recovery systems to reduce required capacities and save energy;
• Utilization of digital control to improve occupant safety, environmental control and energy efficiency;
• Re-Use of applicable existing equipment to minimize building downtime and reduce first costs;
• Incorporation of energy efficient modular utility generation (steam and chilled water) top provide for future flexibility/ expandability.

Labs21 Connection:

Our discussion shares much in common with the Labs21 Approach, emphasizing systems that improve occupant safety, methods that extend building lifecycle and infrastructure upgrades that improve lifecycle energy efficiencies. Through the exploration of specific design concepts and theoretical systems approaches we will illustrate that an early focus on first costs can easily blur the reality of potential lifecycle energy savings. Additionally, we will convey that pursuit of Green Design is not only an environmentally responsible choice, but also a financially astute one when viewed in from the perspective of lifecycle cost.

Biographies:

Jonathan Friedan has spearheaded the engineering systems programming, planning, and design of virtually every major corporate, academic and research facility Ballinger has completed over the past fourteen years. Mr. Friedan wrote the engineering sections of the National Science Foundation guidebook on research facility planning and has given numerous lectures nationwide on research facility HVAC design and retrofit strategies.

Joseph A. D'Alù has designed HVAC systems for a broad range of projects including academic institutions, healthcare facilities, and research & development and corporate office spaces. Mr. D'Alù was recently named Associate in recognition of his outstanding service to clients and commitment to the quality design standards set by the firm.

Dennis Potter, P.E., has served as Mechanical Engineer for intricate projects in which he was involved in the design of HVAC systems including research facilities, academic institutions, and corporate office space. Mr. Potter has obtained a wide range of experience at Ballinger, including infrastructure master planning and energy analysis on technologically complex projects.