Biologics R&D Renovation & Expansion
FOYA Finalist
Genesis partnered with this industry leader to deliver a Biologics R&D Renovation and Expansion project. This 60,000 SF advanced, high-containment research facility was a model of operational efficiency. It demonstrates how biologics R&D environments can achieve aggressive decarbonization and energy-efficiency goals without compromising safety, reliability, or future flexibility.
Working in close collaboration with our client, we led the engineering strategy for this expansion. We helped the client transform their existing research facility into a future-ready platform capable of supporting evolving biologics automation and research modalities.
Electrification and Decarbonization
Our team designed an electrified mechanical infrastructure aligned with our client’s global sustainability commitments. Modular air-cooled heat pumps with heat recovery serve as the primary source of heating and cooling, enabling simultaneous thermal delivery using electricity rather than fossil fuels. Under normal operating conditions, the building operates without on-site fossil fuel consumption, with natural gas required only during extreme ambient temperatures below 14°F.
We also eliminated traditional natural-gas-fired steam systems used for Water for Injection (WFI) piping sterilization by implementing an electrified ozone-based solution. This further reduced their carbon emissions while maintaining system reliability and compliance.
Innovation in High-Containment Laboratory Design
Our client’s laboratories are classified as BSL-2 and BSL-2+, requiring stringent containment, ventilation, and pressurization control. High internal heat loads from advanced automation equipment historically necessitated high air change rates. Through detailed analysis and close coordination with the client’s EHS team, we supported the establishment of a safe minimum ventilation rate of 8 air changes per hour (ACH).
To meet additional cooling demands without increasing outside air volumes, we implemented active chilled beams as a supplemental cooling strategy. This was an innovative application within a high-containment biologics R&D environment. All chilled beam components are room-side maintainable, fully within the bio-boundary, and dedicated to the space of origin, preserving containment while enabling significant energy reduction.
Efficiency, Resilience, and Future Readiness
Our engineers designed an integrated HVAC and controls strategy. It includes dynamic airflow reset during unoccupied modes, exhaust energy recovery, and scalable infrastructure to accommodate future automation enclosures. The chilled beam approach reduced ventilation airflow by approximately 30,000 CFM, enabling downsizing of air handling units, exhaust systems, ductwork, and chilled water plant capacity.
As a result, the project is estimated to deliver approximately $180,000 in annual energy cost savings,. In addition, it improves maintainability, reduces downtime risk, and provides high confidence that future laboratory expansions can be supported without major infrastructure modifications.