Laboratories for the 21st century

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is interested in establishing a voluntary energy- and water-efficiency initiative for laboratory facilities called Laboratories for the 21(st) Century, or Labs21. Participants in the initiative would join EPA in establishing and meeting common goals and objectives. It is possible to make significant improvements in the environmental and cost performance of the nation's public and private sector laboratories. EPA has recent experience improving its own facilities' energy- and water-efficiency and wants to share this information. EPA invited all interested parties to attend an initial planning meeting on September 8, 1999 to discuss the following: Improving energy- and water-efficiency in U.S. public and private laboratories. Lowering laboratory utility and operating costs. Reducing unnecessary emissions associated with the generation of electricity by improving energy efficiency and, possibly, by generating electricity from clean and renewable onsite energy sources.(1) Anticipating industry changes affecting U.S. laboratories, including the effects of electric deregulation. Demonstrating that efficiency improvements can improve the quality of the work environment, including health and safety issues. Applying a "whole buildings" energy and water systems strategy in the design, construction, and operation of U.S. laboratories. Establishing performance metrics and sharing bench marking data.