Webinar Preview: Sustainability Considerations in Small Laboratory Renovations and Refits
When it comes to sustainable laboratory design, conversations often center on large-scale, ground-up facilities and third-party certifications such as LEED. But what about the countless smaller lab renovation and refit projects that take place on campuses and in research organizations every year? These limited-scope projects—often fast-tracked and budget-conscious—play a critical role in maintaining and upgrading the spaces where science happens. Yet they’re often seen as “too small” for coordinated sustainability efforts.
Join Lab Design on August 19 for this free webinar, Sustainability Considerations in Small Laboratory Renovations and Refits. Robert Fleming, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, director of sustainability at FCA, will share a proven, cost-effective approach that allows even small renovation projects to achieve meaningful sustainability outcomes—without the added cost, complexity, or time commitment of pursuing third-party rating systems.
Rather than skipping sustainability altogether, Fleming advocates for a structured, holistic approach rooted in the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. This adaptable, “first-party” system organizes multidisciplinary project efforts around clear sustainability goals, tracks progress through each phase, and delivers a final sustainability narrative that documents real, measurable achievements. The framework is flexible enough to fit the scale and speed of small projects, while still inspiring innovation and accountability.
Practical takeaways for every role in lab projects
Whether you’re an architect seeking a practical roadmap for incorporating sustainability into small projects, a lab planner responsible for balancing operational needs with environmental considerations, or a lab manager advocating for upgrades, this webinar offers strategies you can apply immediately.
You’ll gain insight into:
Alternatives to LEED and similar systems—and why “first-party sustainability platforms” can make sense for smaller, fast-moving projects.
How to unify design teams—using sustainability goals as a rallying point for architects, engineers, contractors, and end users.
Driving innovation on a budget—proving that ambitious goals and limited resources aren’t mutually exclusive.
Case study insights—real-world examples from a successful limited-scope academic project that applied the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
For many lab projects, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s an expectation from institutions, researchers, and the public. This session shows that even when third-party certification isn’t feasible, you can still deliver environmentally responsible, high-performance spaces that support scientific work while reducing environmental impact.
Come prepared to engage!
This is not just a webinar presentation—it’s a conversation. Fleming’s approach thrives on collaboration, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask specific questions about applying these strategies to their own projects. Bring your toughest challenges:
How do you set meaningful sustainability goals with a compressed schedule?
What low-cost design choices can make the biggest environmental impact?
How can you measure and communicate success without a third-party stamp of approval?
By the end of the session, you’ll leave with actionable ideas for your next project, whether you’re designing a small academic research lab, upgrading a testing facility, or refreshing specialized laboratory spaces.
Earn valuable AIA credit by attending live or on demand
This course is approved by AIA CES for 1 Learning Unit. Lab Design is an AIA CES approved education provider.
Can’t make the live presentation on August 19 at 1:00pm ET? No problem! Sign up now to be alerted when this webinar is available for free on demand viewing, so you can complete the course at your convenience. Reach out to us afterward to claim your AIA credit.
Don’t miss this opportunity to rethink what’s possible for small-scale lab renovations. Register today and learn how to achieve big sustainability outcomes on any project size.
