Smart Labs
Better Buildings Accelerator: Smart Labs
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A typical laboratory is 3-to-4 times more energy intensive than an average commercial building and can account for up to 70% of a given campus’ energy footprint, making laboratories a key focal area for energy and carbon management strategies at universities, corporations, national laboratories, hospitals, and federal agencies. If all laboratory buildings in the country improved their energy efficiency by 20%, annual energy and cost savings could reach about 40 trillion BTUs and $1 billion. Accelerator partners will work together to develop standardized approaches to overcoming common barriers to energy efficiency in laboratories. DOE will help partners document model strategies that include operational changes, technological upgrades, and strategic energy management approaches. |
Why Efficiency Adds up in Labs
Did you know a typical laboratory is 3-to-4 times more energy intensive than an average commercial building and can account for up to 70% of a given campus’ energy footprint?
Join the Smart Labs Accelerator
Commit to reducing energy use in labs by at least 20% over the next 10 years and implement no- or low-cost measures in the shorter-term.
Accelerators News
The latest Energy Department breaking news, announcements, and updates featuring Better Buildings Accelerators.
Featured Solutions
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Laboratory Building 236 Ventilation Upgrade Showcase Project 3M improved the energy performance of one of its main laboratory buildings at 3M Center—the company’s corporate headquarters and primary research and development site—by converting the lab space ventilation system to variable air volume (VAV).
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Other Resources
Fact Sheet
A typical laboratory is 3-to-4 times more energy intensive than an average commercial building and can account for up to 70% of a given campus’
energy footprint, making laboratories a key focal area for energy and carbon management strategies at universities, corporations, national
laboratories, hospitals, and federal agencies.
Partnership Agreement
Better Buildings Smart Labs Partnership Agreement Partnership Agreement
Accelerator partners will set a target to improve energy efficiency across their portfolio of laboratory buildings by at least 20% in ten years or less, and select one laboratory to meet a shorter-term reduction target through a series of low- and no-cost measures and will work together to develop standardized approaches to overcoming common barriers to energy efficiency in laboratories.
Priorities
Partners
A-Z
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab | Los Alamos National Laboratory | National Renewable Energy Laboratory |
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory | University of Colorado | |
University of Illinois Chicago | University of Minnesota |
Location
California
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab |
Colorado
National Renewable Energy Laboratory | University of Colorado |
Illinois
University of Illinois Chicago |
Minnesota
University of Minnesota |
New Mexico
Los Alamos National Laboratory |
Washington
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory |