Sustainability in Science
Achieving meaningful reductions in carbon emissions requires more than a bolt-on approach; it demands that sustainable behaviours and strategies are central to the project’s vision and philosophy at every stage. At 3pm, we ensure that considerations for embodied carbon, such as material selection, construction methods, and supply chain impacts, are integrated from the outset. Equally, we focus on operational carbon by optimising building performance, energy use, and in-use analysis throughout the project lifecycle. This holistic approach outlined in our Sustainable Roadmap ensures that base build, fit-out, FF&E, and ongoing operations all contribute to long-term sustainability.
The science sector presents unique challenges, with laboratories and research facilities among the most energy-intensive and complex building types. Our extensive research Transforming to Zero (www.transformingtozero.com), launched in 2024, provides practical roadmaps and case studies for decarbonising laboratories. By immersing ourselves in the day-to-day realities of lab environments and gathering behavioural data, we are now using this research to inform better briefs, promote sustainable practices, and help occupiers work towards their own low carbon and low waste goals. These insights are now being directly applied to our projects, ensuring that sustainability is not only an aspiration but a tangible outcome.
As a Founder Member of the new I2SL UK Chapter, we are proud to be part of a strong and committed group who are actively shaping best practice for sustainable laboratory design and operation. This membership reflects our commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the sector, helping to accelerate the transition to low-carbon science environments.
To further support our clients, we are using innovative tools and products to enhance our understanding of carbon metrics and leverage established certification regimes to drive continuous improvement. Through these measures, we are working closely with our design teams to focus on the wider carbon and waste challenges and deliver science facilities that are resilient, efficient, and future-ready.
Our ongoing work with research and innovation clients is focused on decarbonising facilities, reducing operational carbon, and minimising waste. By supporting scientists to co-create credible low carbon pathways and embedding sustainability into every decision, we are creating environments that lead the way in supporting both scientific advancement and environmental stewardship.
Written by James Buckley-Walker – 3pm Partner
The science sector presents unique challenges, with laboratories and research facilities among the most energy-intensive and complex building types. Our extensive research Transforming to Zero (www.transformingtozero.com), launched in 2024, provides practical roadmaps and case studies for decarbonising laboratories. By immersing ourselves in the day-to-day realities of lab environments and gathering behavioural data, we are now using this research to inform better briefs, promote sustainable practices, and help occupiers work towards their own low carbon and low waste goals. These insights are now being directly applied to our projects, ensuring that sustainability is not only an aspiration but a tangible outcome.
As a Founder Member of the new I2SL UK Chapter, we are proud to be part of a strong and committed group who are actively shaping best practice for sustainable laboratory design and operation. This membership reflects our commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the sector, helping to accelerate the transition to low-carbon science environments.
To further support our clients, we are using innovative tools and products to enhance our understanding of carbon metrics and leverage established certification regimes to drive continuous improvement. Through these measures, we are working closely with our design teams to focus on the wider carbon and waste challenges and deliver science facilities that are resilient, efficient, and future-ready.
Our ongoing work with research and innovation clients is focused on decarbonising facilities, reducing operational carbon, and minimising waste. By supporting scientists to co-create credible low carbon pathways and embedding sustainability into every decision, we are creating environments that lead the way in supporting both scientific advancement and environmental stewardship.
Written by James Buckley-Walker – 3pm Partner