Yale Chemistry Research Building Wins Labs 21 Go Beyond Award

The Yale Class of 1954 Chemistry Research Building, which sets new standards for the sustainable design of laboratory buildings, has won the prestigious Labs 21 Go Beyond Award from the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and R&D Magazine. It was the sole winner in the new construction category. The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories, which is co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is devoted to promoting the advancement of sustainable, high-technology, and low-energy laboratories. The 100,000 sf Chemistry Research Building, Yale's first LEED Silver building, provides a high quality of life and energy efficiency through open, north-facing labs. It possesses many technical innovations:

The ventilation system conserves thermal energy by first tempering air to condition offices, subsequently reusing it in the laboratory zone, and ultimately exhausting it through double-sashed, reduced volume fume hoods. A heat recovery system pre-conditions intake air.

Water reuse strategies have reduced overall consumption by nearly 69% for the building, and by 33% for process uses, when compared to like facilities.

Energy use runs 25% below similar laboratories.

Overall, the Chemistry Research Building is projected to save annually 16,367,543 103 Btu/h in energy and 225,000 gallons of water, resulting in a reduction of annual operating costs by nearly $283,000. Cannon Design, architect of record, structural engineer; RFD, laboratory consultant; Vanderweil Engineers, M/E/P engineers; RETEC, lighting