Making Labs More Sustainable: Bruntwood SciTech’s Vision for Carbon Neutrality

Across the UK, science and technology businesses are driving innovation that shapes our collective future. But this progress brings a responsibility to reduce environmental impact and operate more sustainably. At Bruntwood SciTech, we are aware that our sector – the built environment – accounts for 40% of Britain’s carbon emissions. For us, this represents an opportunity to contribute toward the reduction of carbon emissions in Britain. Laboratory spaces, in particular, face significant challenges when it comes to energy consumption, carbon emissions and resource use.

We're reimagining what lab environments can be, developing and retrofitting lab spaces that prioritise sustainability without compromising performance. From smart systems that optimise energy use to design principles that support wellbeing and long-term flexibility, we're committed to creating spaces that help businesses thrive in a low-carbon world.

Why Sustainability Matters for Science and Tech Sectors

Sustainability is a growing priority for the science and technology sectors. As the urgency around climate change intensifies, businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, both through regulatory compliance and as part of broader corporate responsibility.

Sustainability has always been a core focus for Bruntwood SciTech, and our sustainable labs are a testament to this: spaces designed to minimise environmental impact through energy efficiency, responsible resource use, and long-term resilience. We are committed to rebuilding, refurbishing and operating sustainably, for example ensuring all our new build developments are powered by 100% electric, utilising the latest high efficiency heat pumps.

With high energy demands, complex systems and stringent performance requirements, labs face significant sustainability challenges. They demand significant physical and intensive work - not only to build but to operate and maintain, consuming 10 times more energy than traditional offices. Lab requirements include everything from high-intensity heating and cooling systems to the use of specialist equipment that must run continuously. For businesses in science and tech, designing and occupying more efficient workspaces is a tangible way to contribute to carbon neutrality while future-proofing operations.

At Bruntwood SciTech, we are helping businesses meet these challenges head-on. Through a combination of retrofit strategies, smart building technology, biophilic design, and long-term planning, we’re embedding sustainability into the foundations of our workspace developments. We’re working towards net zero carbon in everything we do, in accordance with our commitment to be net zero by 2050.

The Role of Smart Building Solutions in Creating Sustainable Labs

Smart buildings are a powerful tool in the drive for sustainability. But what is a smart building? It’s one that utilises integrated systems, including sensors, automation, and real-time monitoring, to improve energy efficiency, user comfort and operational performance.

Smart building solutions are central to Bruntwood SciTech’s approach. Across our portfolio, we deploy PM2.5 air quality sensors, energy monitoring systems, and automated controls for heating, cooling and lighting to optimise efficiency. These technologies help ensure each building operates only when needed and at maximum efficiency, dramatically reducing waste and enabling better resource management.

Our air source heat pumps, for instance, use electric air source pumps to remove fossil fuel use in cooling and heating systems. This not only cuts carbon but improves performance. At our Alderley Park campus near Manchester, a heat recovery system is built into two of our buildings. The system improves overall efficiency by capturing and reusing heat. And at the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, rooftop Mitsubishi heat pumps contribute to the site’s fully electric, low carbon strategy. Our building at Enterprise Wharf in Birmingham, the first in our portfolio to apply for smart building certification, is fitted with advanced systems that collect data on energy use, indoor air quality, occupancy patterns and more. This creates the insight needed to fine-tune energy usage, make data-informed sustainability decisions, and deliver healthier, more productive environments for customers.

Benefits of Sustainable Labs

The move towards sustainable labs brings significant benefits for businesses, people and the planet. 

From an operational perspective, energy-efficient systems lower running costs. This not only improves financial sustainability but enables more investment in research, innovation and talent development. Automated systems also reduce energy consumption during off-peak times, making labs more cost-effective without compromising performance.

For instance, because labs demand large quantities of energy, we’re investing in renewable energy  that customers can use across our sites. We generate over 252,000 kWh of solar electricity across our innovation hubs, annually. We aim to install solar panels on all new sites, should they work effectively, and to identify opportunities to add them to existing sites too.

From a wellbeing point of view, sustainable workspaces integrate clean air systems, natural light, thermal comfort and green spaces. These features help improve concentration, reduce sick days, and create work environments where people can thrive. Research has consistently shown that sustainable buildings lead to higher employee satisfaction and improved productivity.

Environmentally, wet, dry and coworking labs designed for low carbon performance contribute meaningfully to reducing emissions. Whether through passive design principles or integration of renewable energy sources, each sustainable lab adds up to a measurable impact. These buildings also support regional sustainability goals by attracting like-minded businesses and accelerating the transition to a green economy.

Retrofitting Existing Buildings for Carbon Neutrality

Retrofitting is one of the most powerful sustainability tools we have, as the carbon emissions associated with construction is often a significant proportion of a building’s lifetime emissions. It allows us to reimagine and renew existing buildings, drastically reducing embodied carbon compared to new construction. At Bruntwood SciTech, we take pride in transforming legacy buildings into modern, efficient spaces with the latest low-carbon technologies.

We retrofit with purpose. Measures include upgrading insulation, replacing energy systems with low-carbon alternatives, installing LED lighting, improving airflow, and adding renewable energy systems like solar. We also focus on improving digital connectivity and flexibility, allowing labs to adapt as customer needs evolve.

This retrofit-first approach helps reduce emissions, cut operational costs, and preserve architectural heritage. It ensures more of the UK’s built environment can evolve for a greener future without requiring demolition or displacement.

Case Study: Base at Manchester Science Park: A Hub for Sustainable Innovation

Base at Manchester Science Park is a flagship example of how sustainability, innovation and science can go hand-in-hand. Designed for companies in the low carbon, energy innovation and advanced materials sectors, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable lab and workspace design.

Highlights include:

• A-rated EPC and Net Zero Carbon-ready infrastructure.

• 750m² of rooftop solar panels.

• A hybrid heating and cooling system using water-based thermal transfer.

• PM2.5 air quality sensors and energy-efficient lighting throughout.

• Occupancy-linked automation to manage HVAC systems dynamically.

Base is also home to the Manchester Innovation Activities Hub (MIAH), a trailblazing programme designed to upskill more than 5,000 local residents in low-carbon and digital technologies over the next five years. The building’s integration of smart infrastructure with sustainable design makes it a leading example of a low carbon workspace that serves both business and community goals.

Helping Your Business Become More Sustainable

Sustainable labs are not a future concept; they’re a present necessity. Through smart building design, retrofitting, and an unwavering focus on carbon neutrality, Bruntwood SciTech is helping businesses of all sizes lead the charge in creating more sustainable science and tech sectors.

We work with My Green Lab, a global non-profit organisation committed to enhancing sustainable scientific research, to build and maintain more sustainable labs. Its certification, one of the world’s highest standards for laboratory sustainability best practices, is recognised by the UN’s Race to Zero campaign as a key measure of progress. We’re proud to have achieved their “Green” standard (their highest award) for the Open Access Lab at Alderley Park. The certification covers a broad range of areas, including energy, water, waste, chemistry, materials and engagement. We also train Bruntwood SciTech colleagues on the organisation’s Green Lab Ambassador programme.

We believe every building presents an opportunity to reduce impact, foster innovation and support long-term economic and environmental health. Across Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and beyond, our developments are designed to help science and tech businesses succeed, without costing the earth.

Learn more about our sustainability strategy and discover how our spaces can support your journey to carbon neutrality today.