The life sciences industry is experiencing rapid global expansion. In the UK, this £94 billion sector has been recognised by the Labour Government as a key driver of economic growth and public health advancements. Whilst life sciences lead in research and innovation, however, the sector faces an urgent challenge: aligning with sustainability efforts in the built environment. With high energy demands and complex operational requirements, life science spaces must evolve to meet pressing environmental goals. This article explores emerging tools, strategies, and real-world examples that demonstrate how the sector can bridge the gap between scientific progress and sustainability.
Background
The Labour government has articulated a clear commitment to reinstating the UK’s global leadership in life sciences through strategies aimed at accelerating growth, increasing investment and expanding employment opportunities. In their policy document Labour's Plan for the Life Sciences Sector, the party outlines a mission-led approach to revitalise the sector, aiming to return it to the high growth and to create over 100,000 jobs by 20301.
Laboratories and research facilities are particularly in demand within the sector’s ‘Golden Triangle’—Cambridge, London and Oxford. However, accommodating this growth requires careful planning, as life science spaces differ significantly from conventional commercial buildings.
These facilities must meet stringent safety and operational requirements, including secure storage for hazardous chemicals, advanced HVAC and ventilation systems, effective waste treatment, segregated drainage, structural vibration control, and high-powered equipment operating 24/7. Additionally, these facilities must often be located in prime urban areas or hives of education, to attract top talent, adding another layer of complexity to their development.
The Sustainability Challenge
Despite the life sciences sector’s contributions to innovation, its environmental impact is considerable. Laboratories are said to consume ten times the energy and four times the water of standard office spaces each year, and the volume of plastic waste they generate annually is enough to cover nearly 200,000 football pitches2. Additionally, lab buildings contain twice the embodied carbon of standard office buildings due to the significant use of reinforced concrete or steel required to meet vibration, loading and safety standards.
These challenges make achieving net-zero emissions—both operational and embodied—particularly difficult. Unlike commercial and residential buildings, comprehensive sustainability guidelines for life science facilities remain limited, meaning developers and operators must navigate sustainability efforts with little industry-wide guidance.
There are also financial and investment considerations shaping the industry’s sustainability efforts. The rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria has influenced where capital is directed, with investors increasingly prioritising sustainable projects. Developments that integrate sustainability from the outset tend to retain their value better and are more attractive to long-term investors. Regulatory pressures are also growing, meaning that life science developments that fail to align with sustainability targets may face higher operational costs and potential financial penalties.
As the industry shifts towards net-zero, early adopters of sustainable lab design will likely gain a competitive edge. G&T has played a key role in helping developers balance sustainability with financial feasibility, ensuring projects align with both regulatory demands and long-term investment goals.
Design Considerations
The diversity of laboratory uses makes it difficult to establish standardised design specifications. A Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)-compliant lab, for example, requires chemical-resistant surfaces, stringent containment measures, and specialised storage, while dry labs demand precise temperature and humidity controls to support computational research.
Retrofitting existing structures presents one solution to reducing environmental impact, as it helps to preserve embodied carbon, minimise emissions, and prevent material waste.
Emerging Tools & Research
The use of digital twin technology is transforming how life science spaces are designed and managed. These models provide real-time data on energy use, carbon footprint, and operational efficiency, allowing labs to optimise their energy consumption. AI-driven lab management can further improve efficiency by automating HVAC, lighting, and equipment schedules, reducing unnecessary energy use. Additionally, smart systems that adjust ventilation and cooling based on real-time occupancy and demand can significantly cut emissions.
Recent research by HOK has also provided valuable insights into reducing energy consumption in laboratory buildings. HOK’s study compared two different lab typologies—vertical (urban) and linear (suburban)—under three different energy design scenarios: baseline, intermediate, and 2030 net-zero. The study demonstrated that reducing air changes per hour and improving insulation could decrease energy consumption by 60%, with the most efficient designs cutting grid energy dependency to 235 kWh/m² per year before the addition of on-site renewables.
G&T’s Role in Life Science Sustainability
One of the most ambitious life science projects in the UK is TRIBECA, developed by Reef + Partners, BlackRock and GIC and supported by G&T. TRIBECA is set to be London’s largest purpose-built life science campus and is establishing a new benchmark for sustainability in the sector. The campus integrates flexible laboratory and office spaces with residential units, retail spaces, and public areas, creating a dynamic mixed-use environment. Its sustainability strategy incorporates 100% renewable energy, biodiverse blue roofs, passive design to minimise energy consumption, and a circular construction approach that prioritises material reuse.
The project is taking significant steps to reduce waste, with 95% of materials from existing buildings set to be repurposed or recycled. Additionally, the use of earth blocks made from excavated subsoil has dramatically lowered the embodied carbon of construction materials. All of the buildings within the development will be powered by electricity, with air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaics supporting renewable energy generation.
Beyond TRIBECCA, G&T has played a crucial role in several other major life science developments. Oxford North is a cutting-edge R&D hub that integrates sustainable transport, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient buildings, while Victoria House represents a historic retrofit that preserves embodied carbon while transforming the space into a modern lab and office facility. The Alison Gingell Building at Coventry University is a state-of-the-art research facility designed with sustainable materials and advanced MEP systems.
These projects highlight how sustainability and commercial viability can coexist in the life sciences sector.
What’s Next?
As the life sciences industry continues to grow, one of the most pressing questions is whether laboratories can ever become fully off-grid. Many life science spaces require constant, high-energy loads, making complete energy independence a challenge. However, innovations in on-site renewable energy, battery storage, and hydrogen fuel cells could allow laboratories to achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. Some developments are already exploring lab-specific microgrids that integrate solar PV, heat recovery AI-optimised energy distribution and even micro nuclear technology. G&T is actively investigating on-site renewables, energy storage solutions, and smart grid integration to help life science buildings reduce their reliance on the national energy grid while maintaining operational resilience.
The UK can also draw inspiration from international best practices. In the United States, life science hubs such as Boston and San Francisco have prioritised the development of LEED-certified laboratory spaces that adhere to strict sustainability guidelines. Singapore’s Biopolis serves as a model for integrated, mixed-use life science districts that incorporate shared energy infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Nordic countries are leading the way in carbon-neutral lab construction by integrating district heating and carbon capture technology. G&T continues to monitor these global trends to ensure that its life science projects in the UK remain competitive and environmentally responsible.
As the life sciences sector expands, there will be an ongoing tension between rapid development and sustainability goals. Market demands may push some developments to prioritise cost and speed over sustainability, yet increasing investor and consumer expectations, coupled with regulatory pressures, are likely to drive the sector towards greener solutions.
By embracing sustainability now, the life sciences sector can secure a resilient and future-proofed built environment for generations to come.
