Whole Life Carbon in High-Performance Labs: From Analysis to Action

High-performance laboratories present a distinct carbon challenge, combining energy-intensive operations with material-, equipment-, and construction-intensive delivery. This presentation explores how whole life carbon analysis can guide decisions from early design through construction, balancing operational emissions, embodied carbon, and construction-phase impacts. Drawing on a real-world technology lab study, we will share practical approaches for evaluating structural, enclosure, MEP, and construction emissions—and demonstrate how collaboration among owners, designers, engineers, and contractors can turn carbon data into coordinated, measurable action.