Energy Efficiency And Environmental Performance Opportunities In Biological Containment Facilities

Jon Crane and Joe Phillips, CUH2A, Inc.

Abstract:

The unique and specialized requirements of high level biological containment create significant constraints for facility designers and operators alike. Technical issues from interior atmospheric control and waste management through more global concerns of security and worker welfare dominate these projects. Yet, sustainable design principles can be successfully applied to favorably influence energy efficiency, environmental impact, and human performance within essential safety specifications. This presentation uses case studies of the most current biocontainment facilities to illustrate how optimum performance for containment and sustainability are achieved in this complex building type. Basic principles and models of biological containment are presented for facilities supporting research, medical diagnostics, and bioterrorism investigations. Practical solutions to the most important issues of these facilities demonstrate how to integrate high level environmental health and safety performance with environmentally responsible design in new facilities and retrofits. Detailed topics include activity- based cost models, risk management and design strategies, and MEP system approaches.

Biographies:

Jon Crane, AIA has dedicated his career to the planning and design of biological containment facilities. He is the sole architect among the editors of the CDC/NIH Guidelines for Biomedical and Microbiological Laboratories and has consulted on containment facilities around the world. His clients include CDC, NIH, USDA, USAMRIID, and international, state and local health agencies. He is Managing Director of CUH2A's Atlanta office and leads the firm's biocontainment activities globally.

Joe Phillips, AIA is one of CUH2A's leading experts in science facility planning and design. A former scientist and laboratory manager, now a licensed architect, he is assists clients meeting their performance needs with intelligent use of their resources. Widely published on general principles of laboratory planning and design, Joe's specialized expertise extends to biological containment, environmental health and safety, and sustainable design.