Electrification of science and engineering buildings: Princeton's high-performance labs on a low-carbon campus

Princeton University is accelerating toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2046, while also raising the bar for science building capability. The new Environmental Studies and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences buildings demonstrate a big part of the solution: transitioning from carbon-based district heating to a geo-exchange system with thermal energy storage – the second largest such system in the US. Session leaders examine project decisions that delivered high-performance research spaces -- including a vivarium, cleanrooms, trace metals laboratories, mass spectrometers, insectaries, and greenhouses -- in an all-electric facility, advancing both innovation and sustainability. They provide findings and lessons learned to equip others in reconciling science and sustainability targets.