Redefining the Modern Lab: FORUM Sets a New Sustainability Standard in Boston Landing

Exterior of the FORUM life sciences facility in Boston Landing. Image: David Joshua Ford

In today’s life sciences industry, the blueprint for success is rapidly shifting. No longer are cutting-edge research capabilities alone enough—companies now seek lab environments that seamlessly integrate advanced technology with sustainable, human-centered design. As expectations for innovation, environmental responsibility, and employee well-being rise, developers are reimagining what the modern lab should be.

One standout example is FORUM, a 350,000-sf life sciences development currently under construction in Boston Landing. Designed as the district’s first purpose-built life sciences facility, FORUM is aiming for LEED Platinum certification and is packed with sustainable features—from a photovoltaic curtainwall and rainwater reuse systems to a nearly all-electric infrastructure and Net Zero carbon operations.

The project team for the FORUM facility includes SGA (architect), Consigli Construction Co. (construction firm), and BR+A Consulting Engineers (engineer).

To learn more about the sustainable strategies shaping this forward-thinking project, Lab Design News spoke with Mark Barer, director of development at Lendlease, to explore how Lendlease is setting a new standard for sustainable lab development.

Lab space in the FORUM facility. Image: David Joshua Ford

Q: FORUM is targeting LEED Platinum certification—can you walk us through the key sustainability strategies that were foundational from the outset of the project?

A: Life science firms pushing the boundaries of innovation are naturally drawn to spaces that embody similar forward-thinking approaches. For that reason, Lendlease was committed to developing a building that would not only meet our high environmental goals but also attract life sciences companies engaged in pioneering research. At FORUM, this includes fully integrated solar panels, 97 percent building electrification, lower-carbon materials and other strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve Net Zero operations.

Q: The building features a photovoltaic array integrated into the curtainwall. How did your team approach incorporating this technology aesthetically and functionally?

A: FORUM’s southern facade incorporates approximately 1,600 sf of glass panels by Onyx Solar, supplementing grid power with on-site, clean energy that directly serves the building. Aesthetics were just as important as sustainability, which is why we chose an inconspicuous system that blends seamlessly into the building without drawing attention from tenants or passersby. Boston Landing is a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood and our goal was to create a building that both complements its surroundings and elevates the streetscape.

An outdoor recreation deck at FORUM offers tenants a vibrant, landscaped space that connects seamlessly to the lobby and surrounding neighborhood, enhancing access to Boston’s life sciences ecosystem and local amenities. Image: David Joshua Ford

Q: You’ve stated that FORUM will run on 97 percent all-electric systems—what were some of the challenges and breakthroughs in designing such a low-emissions operational infrastructure for a life sciences building?

A: Life sciences buildings demand significantly more power than typical offices due to the intensity of lab operations, which made designing a low-emissions infrastructure particularly complex. FORUM runs fully electric most of the year, but during harsh New England winters, we knew all-electric heating wouldn’t be feasible. So, we invested in high-performance systems that could balance sustainability with reliability. Though this added to upfront development costs, it positions FORUM for long-term operational efficiency.

Q: Net Zero carbon operations is a bold goal. What does achieving this entail in practical terms, both during construction and in future building operations?

A: It takes a holistic approach from the outset to successfully achieve Net Zero carbon operations. During construction, that means prioritizing lower-carbon materials like steel and concrete, and minimization of job site emissions, such as with electric tools and equipment. Operationally, building electrification, on-site renewable energy, and high-efficiency systems will all help reduce energy demand over the lifespan of a building. It’s also important to monitor ongoing performance to ensure a building runs as optimally as possible.

Q: How did the team approach sourcing and selecting lower-carbon materials like concrete, steel, and gypsum board while maintaining the performance requirements of a life sciences facility?

A: Lendlease performed a lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) to support a lower-carbon materials strategy at FORUM and reduced 10 percent embodied carbon through partnerships with vendors and subcontractors. This includes the use of recycled steel, which comprises 90 percent of all steel used on the project. We also substituted 20 percent to 40 percent of the Portland cement in our concrete mix with fly ash, adjusting the ratio based on specific structural requirements.

FORUM’s indoor communal spaces, including a welcoming lobby and community living room, provide tenants with comfortable, connected environments that complement the outdoor recreation deck and foster collaboration within Boston’s dynamic life sciences hub. Image: David Joshua Ford

Q: Rainwater collection and reuse is a compelling feature—can you elaborate on how this system is designed to function and the types of lab or building operations it will support?

A: FORUM features a 15,000-gallon cistern in the basement that collects rainwater from all roof and terrace surfaces. The water is used in a graywater system, primarily for toilet flushing.

Q: FORUM uses electric tower cranes and green-powered construction equipment. What impact have these choices had on the project timeline, emissions, or community engagement during construction?

A: While Lendlease was an early adopter of electric tower cranes, their use is fairly standard across the industry today. The electric crane at FORUM did not impact the project timeline.

Q: In what ways did the Boston Landing location influence FORUM’s sustainability goals and its integration into the broader district master plan?

A: FORUM’s location provides companies with a unique prospect: access to Boston’s world-class life sciences ecosystem, coupled with a dynamic and interconnected neighborhood. Its vibrant public realm boasts lush landscaping and an outdoor seating area that flows into the lobby, along with neighborhood amenities, including a coffee and cocktail lounge and community living room. The transit-oriented development is two blocks from a MBTA Commuter Rail station and within walking distance of other Boston Landing transit options like MBTA bus stops and Bluebikes bike share stations. As an urban infill project, FORUM also mitigates the carbon implications of urban sprawl while simultaneously adding to a rich, established neighborhood.

Streetscape view of FORUM. Image: David Joshua Ford

Q: Sustainability in life sciences can be particularly complex due to intensive energy and infrastructure needs. How do you balance high-performance lab functionality with environmental responsibility?

A: High-performance labs often have high energy demands, but that isn’t necessarily incompatible with a sustainable approach. By selecting optimized, high-performance mechanical systems and electrifying as much of the load as possible, FORUM provides the reliability labs require while significantly cutting the building’s carbon footprint.

Q: Looking ahead, how do you hope FORUM influences future development in Boston Landing and beyond in terms of sustainable life sciences design?

A: We’d love for FORUM to set a new standard for life sciences projects. It shows that you can incorporate beautiful design, exceptional amenities, wellness features, and biophilic elements without compromising on performance. FORUM is a blueprint for what the future of lab buildings can and should look like.