A convergence of global factors and the need for more effective pharmaceutical products has increased the demand for biomedical and animal research facilities. This facility type is extremely energy intensive because it requires 24/7 operation, high internal equipment loads, back-up and redundant mechanical and electrical systems, and a high air ventilation rate. At the same time, we are experiencing a tightening of energy standards, public demand for ‘green’ and sustainable approaches and technologies that reduce the carbon footprint and meet cost efficiency initiatives.
The focus of this special issue is to identify and/or develop technologies, methodologies and solutions that can be applied to future trends in research facility design and function. To satisfy the regulatory and public challenges, these must be cost-effective and dramatically reduce the average energy use of research facilities while improving safety, comfort, overall quality and facility sustainability. Answering this challenge requires a holistic, interdisciplinary approach that addresses not only the need for energy and resource reduction but also the expanding role of research facilities as a vehicle to foster team-based research and to offer the flexibility to meet current and future research demands.
Evaluative filters to be considered when preparing manuscripts should include adherence to building codes and standards, policy directives (e.g. Energy Policy Act of 2005), governmental mandates (e.g. Executive Order 13423 “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy and Transportation Management”), other applicable regulatory statutes, risk assessment modelling tools, and benchmarking standards (e.g. LEED and Green Globes).
Suitable topics include but are not limited to:
- Lighting (day lighting, high efficiency lighting, lighting controls)
- Use of sustainable materials
- Water management and waste management
- HVAC systems
- Temperature control (alternatives to traditional heating/cooling technologies)
- Pervious materials
- Glazing selection
- Operational strategies
- Continuous commissioning
- Building-integrated renewable energy devices
- Integrated design to achieve optimum facility sustainability
- Net zero energy buildings
Deadline for submission of proposals/abstracts: 15 January, 2011
Author notification: 10 March, 2011
Full paper submission deadline: 10 August, 2011
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