Laboratories are among the most energy-intensive work environments in the built environment. From ultra-low freezers and specialist ventilation systems to clean rooms and equipment operating around the clock, laboratory spaces consume significantly more energy than a typical office.
Yet sustainability is becoming an increasingly important priority across the life sciences sector. Organisations are under growing pressure to reduce operational carbon emissions, improve ESG performance, and create healthier environments for their teams.
Designing a greener laboratory does not mean compromising on scientific performance. With the right strategy, laboratories can become safer, more efficient and more adaptable while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
We work closely with life sciences businesses to create laboratories that balance technical precision with sustainability. From laboratory planning and fit out to furniture and mechanical and electrical services, sustainability is considered at every stage of the process.
Here are some of the key considerations when designing a greener laboratory.
Every laboratory operates differently, so sustainability strategies should be tailored to the organisation’s specific needs and the type of research being conducted.
Whether designing a new facility or refurbishing an existing space, establishing sustainability priorities early creates stronger outcomes. Bringing together scientists, estates teams, engineers, health and safety specialists, and end users helps identify where efficiencies can realistically be achieved.
Some laboratories may prioritise reducing energy use, while others may focus on waste reduction, adaptability or improving employee wellbeing. Defining measurable sustainability goals at the outset creates a clearer framework for decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
Future scalability should also be considered. Overengineering laboratory environments can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and operational costs. Designing for current requirements, while allowing flexibility for future growth, often creates a more sustainable and commercially effective solution.
A sustainable laboratory should support the people working within it just as much as environmental targets.
Scientists and laboratory teams often spend long periods within controlled environments, making air quality, thermal comfort and wellbeing increasingly important considerations. Mechanical and electrical systems should therefore be carefully designed to balance safety, operational performance and energy efficiency.
Effective HVAC systems are essential for maintaining clean air and safe airflow. However, laboratory ventilation is also one of the largest contributors to energy use. Technologies such as demand-based ventilation, air quality sensors and heat recovery systems can help reduce energy consumption without compromising safety or compliance.
Fume cupboards are another major source of energy demand. Encouraging good operational habits, such as closing the sash when not in use, can significantly reduce wasted energy over time. Even small behavioural changes across a laboratory estate can make a measurable impact.
Breakout areas also play an important role in sustainable laboratory design. Creating spaces that provide contrast to the clinical environment can improve wellbeing, support collaboration and contribute to a healthier workplace culture. Incorporating natural textures, planting and softer finishes helps create more balanced and human-centric environments.
COEL’s design and fit out of laboratories and office space for Wren Therapeutics placed employee wellbeing at the centre of the project. Alongside the upgraded laboratory environments, adjoining office and breakout spaces were designed using calming dark blue tones, biophilic elements and ambient lighting to create a softer, more restorative contrast to the technical spaces.
Sustainable laboratory design extends beyond the laboratory itself. Organisations should also consider the wider environmental impact of their operations, materials and waste streams.
If developing a new facility, accessibility should form part of the planning strategy. Locating laboratories near public transport routes and incorporating cycle storage, walking routes and outdoor green spaces can support both sustainability goals and employee wellbeing.
Laboratories also generate significant volumes of waste, particularly single-use plastics. While some disposable items remain essential for contamination control, opportunities to reduce unnecessary waste should still be explored. Reusable glassware, sustainable packaging initiatives and supplier take-back schemes can all contribute to more responsible operations.
Clear recycling and waste segregation strategies are equally important. Labelled disposal systems help reduce contamination risks while encouraging staff participation in sustainability initiatives.
Some organisations are also adopting Green Chemistry principles, reducing reliance on hazardous substances and developing more environmentally responsible processes wherever possible.
Technology and intelligent monitoring systems can help laboratories operate more efficiently while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Smart lighting controls, occupancy sensors, and automated environmental systems allow energy use to adapt to how spaces are used throughout the day. If laboratory occupancy increases while adjacent office spaces remain empty, building systems can respond accordingly to reduce wasted energy.
Equipment management is another key area. Ultra-low freezers, refrigeration systems, and specialist equipment should be regularly maintained to ensure they continue to operate efficiently. Adjusting freezer temperatures from minus 80 to minus 70 degrees Celsius, where scientifically appropriate, can significantly reduce energy consumption while extending equipment lifespan.
Routine maintenance also supports sustainability. Cleaning filters, servicing ventilation systems, and checking seals on refrigeration units all help improve efficiency and reduce operational costs over time.
Water consumption should not be overlooked either. Simple additions, such as low-flow aerators and clear signage encouraging responsible water use, can help reduce unnecessary waste in laboratory environments.
Material selection plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of laboratory environments.
Where suitable, laboratories should consider using renewable, recyclable, and responsibly sourced materials in laboratory furniture and finishes. Durability is equally important. Choosing robust materials that can withstand intensive laboratory use reduces the need for replacement, maintenance and refurbishment over time.
Environmental Product Declarations can also help assess the sustainability credentials of building materials and furniture products. Reviewing embodied carbon and manufacturing processes enables more informed specification decisions.
Furniture reuse and responsible disposal strategies should also form part of the sustainability plan. Repurposing or recycling laboratory furniture wherever possible supports circular economy principles and helps divert waste from landfill.
At COEL, our furniture division works closely with specialist recycling partners to provide ethical furniture reuse and disposal solutions for laboratory and workplace environments.
Laboratories are constantly evolving. Scientific advances, changing team structures and new technologies mean spaces need to remain adaptable over time.
Flexible laboratory design reduces the need for major refurbishment, helping minimise waste and extend the environment’s lifecycle. Modular furniture, mobile storage, movable partitions and adaptable service connections allow spaces to be reconfigured as research requirements change.
Open-plan research environments can also encourage resource sharing and collaboration between teams while reducing duplication of equipment and infrastructure. Digital booking systems can help manage shared spaces more efficiently and improve utilisation rates.
Digitisation itself can support sustainability goals. Laboratory management platforms and paperless systems reduce physical storage requirements, minimise paper waste and improve operational efficiency.
Designing laboratories for longevity creates both environmental and commercial value.
When transforming a former conference and library space into state of the art laboratories and offices for Sphere Fluidics, COEL incorporated flexible furniture and storage solutions throughout the space. Mobile cabinets, movable benches, and adaptable layouts created a future-focused space that can evolve alongside the organisation’s research needs.
Creating a greener laboratory is not about a single product or technology. It requires a holistic approach that considers people, processes, operational performance and adaptability together.
COEL provides a full turnkey laboratory fit out service, helping life sciences businesses create sustainable environments that support innovation, wellbeing and future growth. From strategic planning and laboratory design through to furniture, mechanical and electrical services and ongoing maintenance, our teams work collaboratively to deliver spaces built for performance.
If you are planning a new laboratory or looking to improve the sustainability of an existing facility, early planning can make a significant difference to both environmental impact and operational efficiency.
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