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According to Tradeline, the # 2 priority for biocontainment facilities in 2013 is controlling OpEx (behind safety through pressure & airflow control). So, how does such a specialized facility accomplish this without compromising the containment of highly pathogenic organisms – or the rigorous regulatory compliance standards they are faced with?
Energy Management.
Energy management is one of the quickest, most effective, and biggest ROI investments facility managers can make. Building management solutions (BMS) and associated energy dashboards can significantly reduce energy OpEx in any building. But, this is especially true in a research laboratory, where typical energy consumption is 3 to 4 times that of an average building. Take the laboratory exhaust system as an example. According to a white paper published by Schneider Electric, exhaust energy comprises up to 40% of the ventilation system’s energy use, and as much as 30% of a laboratory’s total energy consumption. This presents an enormous energy savings opportunity for laboratory facility managers. Download the full white paper titled, “Optimizing Laboratory Exhaust Systems to Reduce Energy Use and Costs,” to learn more about this energy conservation opportunity.
However, it’s also true that a high containment laboratory in particular, lends itself to a unique set of challenges. These research facilities are specifically designed to allow the study of deadly viruses in a secure environment, while at the same time preventing their escape into the rest of the facility or the outside world. High containment labs are categorized into 2 main levels known as BSL-3, and BSL-4:
So, it is essential that the building operations of these high containment labs are handled with extreme caution. Partnering with an industry expert to implement energy management solutions minimizes your risk considerably – and puts achieving significant reduction in energy consumption well within your reach. As a matter of fact, Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) estimates that most labs can reduce energy use by an incredible 30 to 50%. What’s better? These benefits can be sustained through life cycle services such as energy dashboards, power metering, and regular maintenance of the BMS, electrical & power systems.
Given the strict regulatory compliance standards & containment requirements of highly pathogenic organisms discussed earlier, how do you begin this journey & meet your goals?. The first step is clear – it is essential that you turn to a recognized industry expert to partner with. For the 3rd consecutive year, Schneider Electric exhibited this expertise at the 2013 International Conference on Biocontainment Facilities. With a solutions booth focused on “Energy and Building Management Solutions in Life Sciences Facilities”, our experts met with industry professionals responsible for CapEx projects, operations maintenance, regulatory compliance and safety, cost control for biocontainment facilities, and more to offer guidance and partnership on their major, multimillion dollar project plans.
As a global specialist in energy management, with vast expertise in the operation of Life Sciences facilities, Schneider Electric is a trusted partner for some of the world’s leading Life Sciences giants. Just ask Sanofi, who recently signed a collaboration agreement with us to accelerate its energy efficiency program on its industrial sites in 40 countries.
You put immense effort into protecting your employees and the community – what are you doing to protect your bottom line?
