Greener Labs, Smarter Science: The Synergy Between Innovation and Sustainability

Few companies are as innovative as those in the life sciences sector, where cutting-edge technologies promise to deliver life-changing breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Recognizing the long-term health of people and the planet are deeply interconnected, it comes as little surprise these firms are also fully committed to sustainability.

In a survey of life sciences CEOs from around the world, professional services giant KPMG found that ESG initiatives remain a priority to their core business. Building customer trust and enhancing brand value are the leading drivers behind ESG adoption, according to respondents. Many also cite the importance of attracting next-generational talent and boosting employee engagement. The CEOs also emphasized ESG’s financial impact, saying it influences capital allocations, M&A decisions and overall business strategy.

According to market research firm Gitnux, 70% of global life science companies integrate sustainability into their strategic plans, and the industry aims to curb its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030. To meet these goals, more companies are turning to energy-efficient lab spaces.

With its sustainability-focused design, FORUM aligns seamlessly with the values of life sciences firms seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Targeting LEED Platinum, the 97% electric building is net zero carbon operational.

One of the building’s most innovative approaches is the seamless integration of solar panels into its southern façade. The system, which includes approximately 1,600 square feet of glass panels by Onyx Solar, delivers clean, on-site energy to help mitigate reliance on the grid.

A 15,000-gallon cistern in the basement collects rainwater from all roof and terrace surfaces, which is then reused in a graywater system within the building. FORUM also includes dedicated parking and charging stations for electric vehicles, supporting the transition toward low-emission transportation.

During construction, the project achieved a 10% reduction in embodied carbon through the use of recycled steel, which encompassed 90% of all steel used on the project. To mitigate the reliance on carbon-intensive Portland cement, fly ash is incorporated into various concrete mixes throughout the building, replacing 20% to 40% of the cement content.

FORUM also pairs climate-conscious construction with biophilic design. The curvilinear building envelope allows abundant natural light to enter workspaces while triple-glazed glass helps maintain constant temperatures. One standout amenity is a 7,000-square-foot terrace that allows employees to recharge and get some fresh air during the workday.

By aligning environmental goals with scientific progress, life sciences companies are crafting a future that’s not just more advanced, but more resilient and responsible. High-performance lab spaces, like those within FORUM, are essential to realizing this vision, supporting both scientific innovation and long-term environmental stewardship.