November 12, 2025
Next week, the Sustainable Labs Canada (SLCan) Annual Conference returns as the country’s premier forum for advancing sustainable laboratory design. Architecture49 (A49) is proud to continue its longstanding commitment to this event, reinforcing our leadership in science facility design.
Architecture49 has been at the heart of SLCan since its inception, helping to shape the conversation around sustainable laboratory design and innovation. Our team contributes not only through thought leadership and technical expertise but also by actively supporting SLCan’s mission: advancing best practices, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation across Canada’s science and technology sector.
At this year’s conference in Québec City, Ana Coppinger, Laboratory Planner at Architecture49, will co-present “Plan for Precision, Prepare for Revision – Embracing Flexibility for Future Success” with Greg Aarestad of Ventana. Their session will examine how modularity, standardized infrastructure, and future-proofing can directly translate into construction efficiencies and long-term adaptability. Drawing on lessons from the Gordon B. Shrum School of Biomedical Engineering, they will demonstrate how early collaboration between architects, lab planners, and construction managers supports efficient, flexible, and sustainable laboratory delivery.
In another session, “Innovative Resource Management at the Sidney Centre for Plant Health: A Pathway to Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency,” Marco Garcia of Architecture49 will join Greg Dallas of WSP and Robert Haugland of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to highlight how integrated design strategies can advance decarbonization and energy efficiency. The presentation will explore the new facility’s geothermal energy system and operational performance, offering insights into how sustainable innovation and collaboration can drive measurable results in contemporary laboratory environments.
Laboratories are at the forefront of climate responsibility and innovation. Through our work and active involvement in SLCan, A49 continues to champion best practices that reduce environmental impact, improve accessibility, and foster collaboration. The Quebec City Convention Centre will serve as the backdrop for these important conversations from November 17–20, 2025, bringing together industry leaders to share knowledge and shape the future of sustainable labs.
Read more about our presentations and the full program on the SLCan website.