While sustainability is a focus across many construction market sectors, the pharmaceutical and biotech sector is especially advanced in its sustainability journey. Combined with the technical complexity of biopharmaceutical facilities, the requirements and expectations for sustainable construction techniques, design, materials, and reporting on biopharma projects are far greater than many typical commercial construction projects. So, we asked Gilbane’s subject matter experts, Jose Jimenez, Life Sciences Business Leader, and Tabitha Scott, Director of Global Sustainability, to share challenges and solutions from their experiences working with biopharmaceutical clients. From energy modernization and resiliency, opportunities for regeneration, and future trends to consider, here’s what they had to say:
Energy Modernization
Jose, what are some of the challenges related to improving energy resiliency in pharmaceutical construction projects?
Jose Jimenez: There are several challenges to be considered in this market sector. First, these facilities are heavy consumers of both energy and water, and this demand is unlikely to change given the nature of the research or manufacturing processes that take place in them. However, the type of energy sources can be modified to address environmental sustainability goals while enhancing resiliency. Available design options may vary per site and site configuration. This plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility of renewable or alternative energy sources, such as solar panel fields, heat pumps, or microgrid solutions.
Capital funding can be another significant challenge if this scope requirement is not considered as part of the project charter, as initial investments may be substantial. Moreover, regulatory constraints add to the complexity.
Tabitha, what are some effective strategies to address these energy resiliency challenges on pharmaceutical projects?
Tabitha Scott: First, we need to think beyond traditional energy efficiency and start looking at a whole building approach to inputs and outputs. For example, microgrids, metadata management, and Building Management Systems can significantly amplify sustainable results. We also need to acknowledge that building in redundancy is crucial for ensuring continuous operation, especially for high-precision research and manufacturing processes that cannot afford downtime. This involves creating islanding and backup systems for power and data.
Additionally, to help bridge the gap in capital funding, these projects should consider creative funding solutions such as carbon credits and renewable energy certificates. When you take into account the long-term operational costs and benefits, rather than just the initial capital investment, decision-making becomes more about life cycle benefits and less reactionary.
Regeneration of Resources and Efficiency in Life Sciences Construction
Jose, how are best practices for waste management during the construction of life sciences facilities different from best practices for other types of construction?
Jose Jimenez: Waste management in life sciences construction differs from other types of construction. Rather than focusing on waste management during construction, you need to consider the operational opportunities. These facilities often involve high levels of precision and cleanliness, which can generate significant amounts of waste. But, with a strong emphasis on circularity and regeneration, that waste can be repurposed—reducing both waste and operational costs. For example, waste heat from production processes can be repurposed for HVAC systems, and combining different water treatment methods can make wastewater suitable for reuse.
Tabitha, given Jose’s comments, what recommendations do you have to ensure that waste reduction and recycling goals are met on these projects?
Tabitha Scott: Jose’s point toward regeneration is a great one. To ensure that waste reduction and recycling goals are met, it’s important to adopt a holistic approach to waste management. By reducing those inefficiencies, more dollars go into their technologies and production processes, and not “up the chimney” or into the dumpster outside.
This includes identifying inefficiencies in the process and finding ways to reuse waste materials. As Jose mentioned, reclaiming water and repurposing waste heat can significantly reduce waste. Overall, the focus should be on reducing inefficiencies and maximizing the use of resources, not just during construction but throughout the life cycle of the facility.
Future Trends in Sustainable Life Sciences Construction
Tabitha, what role do emerging technologies play in advancing sustainability in life sciences construction?
Tabitha Scott: Emerging technologies play a crucial role in advancing sustainability in life sciences construction. The sheer amount of data collection and analysis required to effectively manage and improve sustainability markers is incredible. We’re talking about a mountain range of data—not a mountain, but an entire mountain range. And the target is continuously moving as new requirements develop globally. The industry is seeing increased regulatory requirements for sustainability, domestically in 22 U.S. states, and in international markets such as the EU with the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).
A key technology to manage all this data and reporting is AI. Using AI, Machine Learning (ML), and automation will help track and manage energy consumption, emissions, and waste more effectively. The identification, categorization, and analysis of whole building data will be key for winners in the construction sector.
Jose, what trends do you foresee in the future of sustainable construction for life sciences facilities, and how should pharmaceutical facility managers and executives prepare for these trends?
Jose Jimenez: Looking ahead, we can expect to see a greater emphasis on integrating sustainability into the design and construction process from the outset. This includes specifying environmentally friendly materials and building systems that efficiently reduce energy and water consumption. Pharmaceutical facility managers and executives can prepare for this by investing in sustainable design and construction practices. This includes working with design teams to specify materials and systems that meet sustainability goals and considering the full lifecycle costs of their projects.
This can go even a step further by adopting sustainability-driven enhancements to building codes and looking for opportunities to work with academia to establish a more robust workforce of architects and engineers that are experts in greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, for instance.
Additionally, staying informed about regulatory changes and industry best practices will be crucial for maintaining compliance and achieving sustainability targets. Tabitha mentioned earlier some reporting organizations—these organizations are growing and requirements are changing all the time. There are services that can help you to collect information from your supply chain. Consider how you can benefit from the expertise of companies and organizations like EcoVadis, CDP, and SBTi.
Another consideration I mentioned earlier is thinking about capital funding differently. There are great benefits to being intentional in accounting for cost benefits from a life cycle perspective, rather than from the lens of the initial capital project investment. Consider if your capital project teams are incentivized to integrate sustainability into the project for the long-term operational cost. Flowing down sustainability goals to your teams can incentivize them to look at the other side of the equation. By taking a proactive approach to sustainability in their funding, biopharmaceutical companies can not only reduce their environmental impact but also improve their operational efficiency and resilience.
Closing
By addressing energy modernization, resource regeneration, and emerging trends, biopharmaceutical companies can not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance their operational efficiency and resilience. Embracing these sustainable practices will be essential for the industry’s future, ensuring that facilities are not only environmentally responsible but also equipped to handle the complexities of modern biopharmaceutical production.
