Selecting and installing energy-efficient laboratory equipment, like fume hoods or biological safety cabinets (BSCs), is essential for lab managers aiming to optimize both safety and energy consumption. With growing demands for sustainability and cost-saving measures, it’s crucial for lab managers to understand the factors that contribute to the efficiency of these critical safety devices while ensuring they meet the specific needs of their lab environments.
Key features to look for in energy-efficient lab equipment
Energy-efficient fume hoods and BSCs come with various features designed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining performance. According to Seth De Penning, marketing manager at NuAire Inc., “Many biosafety cabinets now use DC ECMs (electronically commutated motors), which are thought to not only offer affordable energy consumption but also an acceptable noise level while retaining enough thrust to compensate for HEPA filter loading over time. Furthermore, it is common for BSCs to have a setting wherein the front window can slide down and the motor can enter a slower RPM in order to consume less energy when a procedure is not being performed inside of it.”
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In terms of lighting, LEDs are becoming the standard in newer models, providing efficient illumination without excessive energy use. Similarly, fume hoods now come in two main types to reduce energy consumption: low exhaust volume (LEV) fume hoods and high-performance fume hoods. LEV hoods reduce exhaust flow by decreasing the opening size while high-performance hoods achieve energy savings by reducing face velocity, which is the speed at which air moves through the hood opening. The latter is made possible through better aerodynamic design and improved components such as radiused entry surfaces and streamlined airfoils.
Performance, airflow management, and energy consumption
Modern energy-efficient fume hoods and BSCs offer significant improvements in both performance and energy management compared to traditional models. “The switch from AC to EC motors and fluorescent lights to LEDs has reduced energy consumption greatly,” says Matt Squire, engineering manager at NuAire Inc. Moreover, newer systems incorporate additional features like variable flow control (VFC) to reduce the need for excessive exhaust, making them more energy-efficient.
Wilburn Larson, industrial hygienist and product designer at Kewaunee Scientific, notes that the performance of fume hoods is typically assessed by the ASHRAE 110-2016 containment test, which measures containment levels during the operation of the hood. Lower control levels during the test, which indicate less leakage, are a key indicator of good performance and energy efficiency. “Since lower face velocities result in lower exhaust flows, high-performance fume hoods can provide greater energy efficiency,” Larson says.
Common misconceptions about energy-efficient lab equipment
While the benefits of energy-efficient systems are clear, there are some common misconceptions that lab managers should be aware of. Squire warns that not all manufacturers' claims are created equal. For instance, although many manufacturers comply with standards like NSF49, they may not always account for the long-term costs of ownership. “One must think more of total cost of ownership than simply the quoted energy consumption,” Squire cautions.
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Larson also notes that a high-efficiency fume hood or BSC is only as effective as the overall system it's integrated into. “Operating a high-performance fume hood at a higher face velocity will not gain any energy savings over a standard fume hood,” Larson says. “Similarly, installing a high-performance fume hood in a VAV system that is not properly balanced will result in a loss of efficiency and potentially impair performance.”
Purchasing considerations, installation, and maintenance
When selecting energy-efficient fume hoods and BSCs, lab managers should inquire about the actual energy consumption data of the equipment, rather than relying on manufacturers' theoretical claims. If the system is ducted, it's important to review exhaust requirements and make sure the setup aligns with the lab’s needs.
The installation process plays a critical role in ensuring that fume hoods and BSCs operate at peak energy efficiency. Proper airflow balancing and hood placement are essential, as they ensure the system operates within the designed parameters and reduces the likelihood of inefficiencies due to cross drafts or poor air distribution. Larson advises that lab managers “[pay] close attention to the distance of supply diffusers to the fume hoods, the distance from the hoods to traffic aisles, distance between opposing hoods, and other considerations.”
Routine maintenance and calibration are equally important in maintaining energy efficiency. As De Penning points out, regular field certifications for BSCs ensure they are functioning correctly. “The results of this certification will likely be the main indicator of when key components such as HEPA filters need to be replaced or when the customer should begin to budget for complete replacement. A quality biosafety cabinet, however, will not only rarely require HEPA filter replacements but also last several years before it needs to be exchanged for a new model.”
Financial concerns and environmental benefits
While energy-efficient fume hoods and BSCs offer substantial energy savings, lab managers must be cautious of hidden performance-related costs. For instance, a BSC designed for lower energy use may not always be suitable for more demanding applications, potentially leading to more frequent filter replacements or compromised safety performance.
However, when selected and applied appropriately, energy-efficient fume hoods and BSCs can deliver significant long-term financial and environmental benefits. Although they may come with higher upfront costs, the reduction in energy consumption can lead to lower operational expenses over time. Reducing exhaust flow in fume hoods, in particular, is one of the most effective strategies for cutting lab energy use—supporting broader sustainability goals such as LEED certification and carbon footprint reduction.
Lab managers must take a comprehensive approach when selecting, installing, and maintaining these systems to ensure they meet the specific needs of their laboratory environment while maximizing energy efficiency. By considering factors like motor types, airflow management, system integration, and long-term maintenance, lab managers can achieve a balance between performance, safety, and sustainability in their labs.
