2026 Lab Design Conference Advances Sustainable Lab Design and Industry Innovation
The 2026 Lab Design Conference, taking place May 11–14 in Orlando, FL, offers a unique opportunity for laboratory professionals, architects, and planners to gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge on emerging trends in lab design. With an agenda that blends practical insights, technical innovation, and sustainability strategies, the 25th annual conference is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anyone involved in designing, building, or managing laboratory environments.
A major focus of this year’s conference is sustainable lab design. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practical strategies for reducing energy consumption, decarbonizing lab operations, and integrating renewable energy into modern lab design. Whether navigating federal funding constraints, pursuing ambitious corporate sustainability goals, or simply seeking ways to improve operational efficiency, the 2026 agenda offers actionable insights for labs of all sizes and types. Here are just a few of the sessions that will highlight sustainable lab design.
Get your ticket at www.labdesignconference.com. The early bird discounted rate is available until December 31, 2025. Lab tours and workshops each require a separate ticket on top of your regular conference ticket.
Energy improvements on a budget
2026 Lab Design Conference speaker—Alison Farmer, program director, Labs2Zero; secretary, board of directors, I2SL
Current federal funding limitations and reductions in overhead spending have prompted a growing emphasis on operational efficiency and energy-saving upgrades in existing lab buildings. Alison Farmer, program director of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratory’s (I2SL) Labs2Zero program, will lead a session titled “Energy Improvement When Challenged with Shrinking Budgets.” The session will introduce I2SL’s new Actionable Insights and Measures (AIM) Report—an automated lab energy audit tool designed to help lab owners, managers, and designers identify energy reduction opportunities without costly in-person assessments.
Based on facility and utility data entered into I2SL’s Lab Benchmarking Tool, AIM provides a screening-level evaluation akin to an ASHRAE Level 1 audit. It identifies potential improvement measures, estimates implementation costs and energy savings, and offers step-by-step guidance for execution.
Farmer will also highlight 26 lab-specific energy efficiency measures vetted by I2SL’s expert community and explain how to construct “packages” of interactive measures to maximize energy savings. Attendees will leave this session equipped to begin prioritizing energy upgrades and building efficiency improvements in cost-conscious ways.
Decarbonizing labs through thermal energy networks
2026 Lab Design Conference speaker—Charlie Marino, senior vice president, WSP
For research campuses and large-scale laboratory facilities, decarbonization often requires a more holistic approach. In “Decarbonizing Labs Through Thermal Energy Networks,” Charlie Marino, senior vice president at WSP, and Victor Sanchez, assistant vice president at WSP, will explore how integrated thermal energy networks can be leveraged to manage heating and cooling demands across multiple buildings.
A thermal energy network distributes and shares thermal energy—either heating or cooling—between buildings, enabling heat recovery, improving system redundancy, and even incorporating geoexchange opportunities.
Lab Design Conference attendees will examine real-world case studies demonstrating how these networks can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower operational costs, and maintain laboratory performance without sacrificing resilience. The session emphasizes early collaboration between engineers, architects, and owners as critical to successfully implementing these systems in energy-intensive lab environments.
Building sustainable labs through renewable energy
2026 Lab Design Conference speaker—Victor Sanchez, assistant vice president, WSP
Renewable energy integration is increasingly central to laboratory decarbonization strategies. Shannon Kaplan, senior vice president at WSP, will present “Building Sustainable Labs for Decarbonization: Integrating Renewable Energy into Modern Laboratory Design,” a session focused on the design and engineering considerations for labs transitioning to solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
The session will cover the benefits, challenges, and potential incentives associated with renewable energy adoption in laboratory settings. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how renewable energy systems can reduce carbon emissions, support long-term sustainability goals, and provide operational cost savings over time. Kaplan will also provide guidance on evaluating renewable energy options for labs and integrating them effectively into existing and new facilities.
Hands-on learning and networking opportunities
Beyond the classroom, the 2026 Lab Design Conference offers numerous opportunities for attendees to apply lessons learned in real-world contexts. Networking remains a central component, with dedicated sessions to connect peers, exhibitors, and thought leaders in a collaborative and relaxed environment.
2026 Lab Design Conference speaker—Shannon Kaplan, senior vice president, WSP
The conference also features an extensive exhibitor hall showcasing the latest laboratory design technologies, tools, and sustainable solutions. Attendees can meet one-on-one with experts to explore tailored strategies that enhance lab safety, efficiency, and sustainability. In addition, Q&A panels and roundtable discussions provide direct access to presenters and industry peers, fostering dialogue around renovation strategies, material selection, vibration control, and designing for diverse lab end-users.
Local lab tours as well as interactive workshops are available for an additional ticket, providing firsthand exposure to innovative designs and sustainable solutions. Sign up early, as spots are limited!
Whether planning a new build, tackling a renovation, or optimizing an existing lab, attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights, innovative design strategies, and practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their projects.
Early bird tickets are available through December 31, 2025, and include access to all educational sessions, the exhibit hall, meals, and networking events.
The 2026 Lab Design Conference in Orlando is shaping up to be an essential gathering for anyone invested in the future of laboratory design. By highlighting energy efficiency, decarbonization, and renewable energy integration, the conference provides a roadmap for building labs that are not only high-performing and safe but also environmentally responsible. Attendees will leave prepared to implement forward-thinking strategies in their own facilities and to contribute to the broader evolution of sustainable laboratory design.
