A New Model for Sustainable Open Laboratories

Tim Evans, LEED® AP, SRG Partnership, Inc.
Paul Schwer, LEED AP, PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc.

New design approaches and technological advancements have made it possible to drastically reduce the energy demands for HVAC and artificial lighting in open laboratory environments. SRG Partnership, Inc. is conducting two symposia (one in Portland and one in San Francisco) gathering leading practitioners in architecture, laboratory planning, and engineering, along with research scientists and environmental health and safety officers to develop integrated strategies for creating highly sustainable open laboratories.

SRG Partnership, Inc. and PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc. will debrief the findings of these symposia, which will examine issues such as:

• How were "rule-of-thumb" air change rates derived and what is actually needed for a safe laboratory environment?
• Which daylighting strategies provide the most even distribution of natural light?
• Under what conditions can chilled beams provide all mechanical cooling required?
• Is it feasible to utilize natural ventilation in a laboratory space?

Biographies:

Tim Evans, LEED AP, is laboratory design principal and director of science and technology marketing for SRG Partnership, Inc., a planning and architectural design firm with offices in Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco. Tim has over 20 years of experience in the design of research facilities for academic, regulatory, and private sector clients. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, is a LEED® Accredited Professional, and presented at the Labs21 2005 Annual Conference.

Paul Schwer, LEED AP, is managing principal and president of PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc., in Portland, Oregon, and has more than 20 years experience in mechanical systems design. Paul is a nationally recognized leader in energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. He has provided expertise for nearly 30 LEED projects and is currently engaged in several projects aimed at Net Zero Energy. Paul presented at Greenbuild 2007 and at the Labs21 2006 Annual Conference, and is featured in the new Natural Step video "A Passion for Sustainability." He is a registered professional engineer in four states, holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Bucknell University, is an adjunct professor at the University of Oregon, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

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