Just as I2SL is growing its presence in the United Kingdom with a new U.K. chapter in the works, the U.K. research and innovation sector is demonstrating its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with a voluntary environmental sustainability concordat. The concordat, an agreement signed by universities, research institutions, and funding organizations, represents a commitment to continue delivering cutting-edge research in the U.K. in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable way and could be a model for other countries.

From the U.S. Department of Energy to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, everyone is getting in on the action when it comes to promoting energy-efficient, net zero energy and emissions buildings.

I2SL was excited to launch three new aspects of the Labs2Zero program this spring: an Operational Emissions Score for lab buildings; an Energy Score Target-Setter tool; and Embodied Carbon Benchmarking. All available free in the I2SL Laboratory Benchmarking Tool (LBT), these items are all in a pilot phase, as I2SL is looking for input from LBT users and more data to enrich the ratings and benchmarking among peer labs.

The Australia Chapter of I2SL, launched earlier this year, has taken off with a bang! The group has signed a charter, formed a Board of Directors, and hosted its first educational event, featuring I2SL President Gordon Sharp discussing lab decarbonization, this spring. So what are the sustainability challenges faced by lab owners, architects, and designers in Australia?

Register now for the premier lab sustainability event, coming to St. Louis this fall! The agenda has been released for the I2SL Annual Conference and Technology Fair, September 29 through October 2, with a series of pre-conference workshops, Labs2Zero Technical Advisory Council meetings, and other networking opportunities planned for September 29. Meet us in St. Louis and take advantage of the early bird discount ending August 9!