Buck Institute Stem Cell Research Facility
Details
Location:
Novato, California
Client:
Architect:
Perkins + Will
Photography
Robert Canfield Photography
Category:
Science + Technology
Description
AlfaTech provided project management along with mechanical and electrical engineering services for the Buck Institute's Stem Cell Research Laboratory in Novato, California. The project involved a sustainable infrastructure upgrade supporting a new addition to the Institute’s existing 60,000 SF research facility. At the heart of the upgrade is an innovative ground-coupled geothermal system designed to deliver efficient heating and cooling for both the new expansion and the existing lab spaces.
The geothermal system utilizes groundwater at a consistent 61°F to condition make-up air for lab fume hoods—one of the most energy-intensive systems in a research environment. By doing so, the project eliminates the need for 300 tons of additional cooling from the central plant, freeing up capacity for the new wing without overburdening existing infrastructure. This approach eliminated the need for new cooling tower equipment, reducing both capital cost and environmental footprint.
In addition to its energy performance, the system significantly reduces water usage by an estimated 7.5 million gallons per year, previously required by traditional cooling towers. This sustainable approach aligns with the Buck Institute’s mission of advancing research into age-related diseases while minimizing ecological impact. The lab’s design supports rigorous scientific inquiry with optimized airflow, fume hood systems, and conditioned environments vital to stem cell and regenerative medicine research.
Highlights
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Ground-coupled geothermal heat exchange system
Fume hood make-up air integration with geothermal cooling
Upgraded MEP infrastructure supporting lab expansion
Automated building controls for HVAC optimization
Energy-efficient mechanical equipment selection
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Freed 300 tons of cooling capacity for future use
Eliminated reliance on water-intensive cooling towers
Achieved 7.5M gallons/year in water savings
Delivered sustainable conditioning for critical lab environments
Supported seamless integration with existing central plant infrastructure
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First-of-its-kind use of geothermal energy for lab-grade fume hood conditioning
Smart use of consistent groundwater temperature as a natural energy source
Strategic MEP planning ensured no additional central plant tonnage was needed
Demonstrated how legacy infrastructure can be enhanced through sustainable innovation
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The sustainable design strategy for the Buck Institute’s Stem Cell Research Lab was centered on dramatically improving energy efficiency and water conservation without compromising the stringent environmental requirements of laboratory facilities.
Geothermal System Integration:
The heart of the sustainability effort is a custom-designed ground-coupled geothermal system. This system utilizes the earth’s consistent subsurface temperature and groundwater at approximately 61°F to precool the lab’s fume hood make-up air. This significantly reduces the energy required by traditional mechanical cooling systems. By leveraging this natural energy source, the system offsets 300 tons of cooling demand from the existing central plant, allowing the facility to expand operations without increasing central utility loads or adding energy-intensive cooling towers.Water Conservation Achievements:
The geothermal system eliminates the need for evaporative cooling towers, which previously consumed approximately 7.5 million gallons of water annually. This not only reduces operational water demand but also avoids chemical water treatment processes typically associated with tower systems, further enhancing the facility’s environmental profile.Energy Optimization and Load Reduction:
By integrating the geothermal system with the lab’s HVAC infrastructure, the design reduces peak load demand and lowers energy usage across the facility. The geothermal system operates with high coefficient of performance (COP), offering long-term operational efficiency compared to conventional chillers or boilers. Additionally, this approach reduces reliance on fossil fuels and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions related to building operations.Smart Building Controls and Thermal Zoning:
Automated building management systems (BMS) were integrated to monitor and control HVAC performance, optimizing the use of geothermal energy while ensuring precise environmental conditions are maintained within lab spaces. Thermal zoning and variable air volume systems ensure only occupied or process-critical areas are conditioned at full capacity, reducing unnecessary energy use.Life Cycle and Long-Term Sustainability:
While geothermal systems can require a higher initial capital investment, their low maintenance requirements, reduced utility consumption, and long operational lifespan contribute to a significantly lower total cost of ownership. This long-term view of sustainability aligns with the Buck Institute’s mission and commitment to stewardship of both human and environmental health.Design Synergy with Research Mission:
The sustainable infrastructure not only supports laboratory function but also reflects the Institute’s broader values. As a leading center for research on aging and regenerative medicine, this lab now serves as a model for sustainable scientific environments that reduce environmental impacts while enhancing human health and discovery.
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