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Department of Physics and Astronomy labs sustainably refurbished

The Department of Physics and Astronomy's recently refurbished F19 labs show how environmental best practice can be used to drive improvements to our laboratories and teaching spaces. 

Before and after

1 September 2019

 

Before and after

Before and after

 

The refurbished F19 labs show how environmental best practices can be used to drive improvements to our laboratories and teaching spaces.

Sustainably fitting-out labs can be a challenge. Not least because of demanding requirements like closely controlled temperatures, hygiene and lighting. However, by placing UCL's stringent sustainability standards at its core, Logan construction was able to combine sustainability and lab requirements, incorporating RICS SKA sustainable fit-out methodology to a Gold standard.

" Logan construction in conjunction with UCL Estates have done a great job in transforming this space into a bright, contemporary and pleasant laboratory environment.

The project excelled in the sustainable use of materials; the flooring had a BRE 'A' rating, the timber was FSC certified and the paint came with an environmental product declaration to ISO14025 standards. In addition, parts of the existing ductwork were retained where possible to reduce waste and usage of new materials.

New highly efficient air handling equipment was installed, with heat emitting equipment minimised to reduce the need for cooling, and LED lighting installed throughout. The project team also provided occupants with a clear and easy-to-use building user guide to ensure the occupants optimally use the spaces. Lee Bebbington, Safety and Estates Manager for the Physics Building commended the project:

"Historically F19 has been a very large dark and dusty uninhabited space in the basement, primarily used as a storage room for time-worn redundant physics apparatus. With the continuing growth of the department and space in the department being at an increasing premium, F19 represented an obvious opportunity to transform into prime usable space, fit for purpose. I am pleased to inform you that Logan construction in conjunction with UCL Estates have done a great job in transforming this space into a bright, contemporary and pleasant laboratory environment marking a significant improvement to the department's facilities."

For more information on this project, please contact Evan Landy at e.landy@ucl.ac.uk