IMEG is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design services for a new state-of-the-art life sciences laboratory and office space in Boulder, CO. This premier life sciences project is projected to deliver Net-Zero Energy and Net-Zero Carbon operation, a truly unique project in today’s developer lead laboratory market.

This two-story building is being designed to optimize energy performance while maintaining proper lab operations. Additionally, this project is designed to be fully electrified to achieve Net-Zero Carbon goals thus positioning it uniquely in the cutting-edge market that is Boulder, CO. IMEG worked closely with the developer, client, contractors, and design team members early to develop an approach that would exceed the developer’s sustainability goals.

IMEG developed an HVAC system that could not only meet these sustainability goals but also achieve proper lab operations. The heart of the HVAC system is an expansive geo-exchange system that connects directly to 6-pipe heat recovery chillers, which provide primary heating and cooling to the space.

Active chilled beams are used to efficiently delivery heating, cooling and ventilation to the office spaces while providing supplemental cooling to the labs. Office to lab efficient transfer pathways allows for full utilization of conditioned air. Labs are provided with central-sampling air quality monitors to allow for airflows to be operated as efficiently as possible, thus reducing significant fan and outside air treatment energy. Additionally, optimized air handler tunnels and duct work systems create an efficient fan operation while elevated high plume dilution fans are being studied with environmental conditions to further reduce energy. Lastly, low pressure drop, high efficiency energy recovery systems are used to ensure treated exhaust air energy is not discharged to the atmosphere.

All infrastructure is being designed to maximum uptime to ensure the mission critical needs of the future tenants are being met.