Successful Laboratory Renovation Utilizing Sustainable Design Guidelines

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Jay Brotman, Svigals+Partners
David Pinto, PE, Vanderweil Engineers
Mark Loeffler, IALD, LEED™, The RETEC Group
Rick Warhall, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

There may not yet be a LEED™ standard for sustainable laboratory renovation, but that doesn't mean LEED™ certification is unattainable. Our panel will present a case study of the first lab at Yale University's School of Medicine utilizing sustainable design principles with the following lessons:

• Simple Steps for Implementation of Sustainable Design Principles
• Strategy for LEED™ Certification
• Management of LEED™ Criteria During the Construction Phase
• Processes and Methodology for Design
• Getting Owner Buy-in
• Economic Impact

The design team will discuss the renovation of laboratory space utilizing sustainable design practices for the Department of Neurobiology at Yale University's School of Medicine. The 15,000 sq. ft. laboratory has been designed to achieve a LEED™ Rating for Commercial Interiors (LEED™-CI). This renovation is intended to be the model for sustainable design for future renovations in adjacent buildings and potentially other projects across the Yale University campus.

Labs21 Connection:

The Sterling Hall of Medicine is the historical home and the center of the campus of Yale University's School of Medicine. This project involved a complete renovation of one floor while the historical appearance of the exterior remained intact and other floors are fully occupied. Laboratory facility renovations in existing buildings present a unique challenge for energy efficiency and sustainable design.

The Yale School of Medicine was interested in achieving a LEED™ rating for their ongoing laboratory renovations. Because there isn't an approved LEED™ rating system specifically for this project type, the School of Medicine applied for and received a grant from the Yale Green Fund to support the initiative and develop criteria which could be utilized by Yale University and the U.S. Green Building Council for a future standard. The team started with the LEED™-CI ratings system and utilized the Labs21 Environmental Performance Criteria for Laboratories as additional guidelines.

Biographies:

Jay Brotman, AIA, leads the firm's laboratory planning and design efforts which include a wide variety of academic and commercial clients, including Yale University School of Medicine, the University of Connecticut, Queen Mary University of London, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, and Curagen Corporation. Jay's most recent presentation was at BIO 2004 on Designing and Building Cost-Effective and Flexible Laboratory Space.

David Pinto, PE, has been LEED™ certified since 2002. His experience covers numerous new construction and renovation projects that are currently seeking LEED™ certification. These projects include Princeton University Guyot Hall, the Environmental Protection Agency at Research Triangle Park and most recently the C-Wing project at Yale University School of Medicine. Dave's background engineering laboratories has provided him with the intimate understanding necessary to successfully achieve sustainability goals.

Mark Loeffler, IALD, is the lighting and sustainable design practice leader for The RETEC Group, a nationwide environmental management consulting firm. He is also an accredited LEED professional and directs RETEC's consulting work in the area of sustainable design. Mark is a professional member of the U.S. Green Building Council. Currently, Mark is the co-chair of the IALD Sustainability Committee, co-chair of the Lighting Industry Resource Council, and a member of the IESNA Sustainable Lighting Committee.

Rick Warhall is a Vice President and the LEED™/Sustainability Industry Coordinator for the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. He has been in the construction industry for 22 years. Rick became a LEED™ Accredited Professional in 2001 and currently, he is involved in several projects pursuing LEED™ certification. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Green Building Council.

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