November 20, 2024
Environmental sustainability is no longer just a goal; it’s a responsibility. Sustainable Labs Canada (SLCan), is at the forefront of this mission, pioneering laboratory solutions for climate rehabilitation and energy reduction. SLCan is a not-for-profit Canadian organization that advocates for laboratory design that optimizes energy efficiency and responsibly manages resources.
Over the course of it’s ten year history, SLCan has established several regional chapters to better support their membership in different regions. This year, a chapter was established in Atlantic Canada, to ensure that the sustainable practices promoted by the national organization take root in this region’s laboratories.
DRIVING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
SLCan’s mission is clear: empower laboratories and laboratory designers worldwide to adopt innovative, sustainable solutions. The organization envisions a future where laboratories have significantly reduced their carbon footprints, use energy more responsibly, and advance research with minimal environmental impact.
As leaders in Canada’s Science and Technology (S&T) marketplace, A49 plays a large role in advocating for sustainable labs. We have supported SLCan since it’s inception, and we are aligned with it’s design principles to ensure lab spaces are not only functional but also environmentally conscious. This partnership underscores the growing trend of merging design innovation with sustainability to tackle one of the most energy-intensive environments, laboratories.
A49’S DESIGN PRINCIPLES IN ACTION
Laboratories typically consume up to five times more energy than commercial office spaces, a statistic that highlights the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions. A49’s design principles address this challenge with a holistic approach - integrating natural light, minimizing waste, carefully selecting materials, and optimizing energy efficiency in the design of our S&T projects. The firm advocates for the use of renewable energy, smart systems, and low-impact materials to transform the way laboratories are built and operated.
Air management systems are one of the most critical focus areas for sustainability in labs. Through careful planning and coordination, our lab designs reduce harmful emissions and improve ventilation, ensuring safer, healthier, and more productive lab environments. These features not only align with SLCan’s sustainability goals but also set a benchmark for future lab designs.
LEADERSHIP IN ATLANTIC CANADA
Kevin Humeniuk is A49’s National Sector Leader for Science and Technology. Practicing from our Halifax office, Kevin represents the firm’s growing focus on sustainable innovation in the Maritimes. Kevin’s extensive experience in laboratory planning and design, coupled with his role as a board member for SLCan, positions him as a key force in regional and national sustainability efforts.
“Our focus in the Atlantic region and nationwide is to create labs that not only lead in scientific research but also set an example in sustainable design.”
SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE ATLANTIC REGION
The Atlantic chapter of SLCan was established earlier this year, and has begun to bring together industry partners and client teams to discuss transforming laboratories with sustainability at the forefront. The goal is to establish a regional network of like-minded stakeholders to promote laboratories that will operate with reduced energy consumption, better waste control, improved air quality, and lower carbon emissions.
Next week, Kevin will be co-presenting at the inaugural event of SLCan’s Atlantic Chapter here in Halifax. His presentation will be entitled “Reduction in Embodied Carbon and Net Zero Achievements at the Sidney Centre for Plant Health”, co-presented with WSP Sustainability team member Antoni Paleshi. This will be the first event hosted by the SLCan Atlantic Chapter, and our goal is to build the regional network for future events, which will be held every 4 months.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As A49 continues in their support of SLCan, their shared goal is to promote the development of technologically advanced, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsive laboratories. Their efforts in the Atlantic and other national regions serve as a foundation for future global collaborations. SLCan is positioned to drive further innovation, ensuring that laboratories become sustainable environments of scientific discovery while setting a new standard in environmental responsibility.