Given the large number and diversity of new fields of science, rather than building labs for biology or chemistry, a better idea is to have three general lab types – 1) LOW fumehood intensity labs, 2) MEDIUM fumehood intensity labs, and 3) HIGH fumehood intensity labs. For fumehood intensive buildings, variable air volume in combination with zone presence sensors, combination sashes, and lower exhaust set points will dramatically cut energy use. An emerging technology development to be alert to is the ventilated chemistry bench as a replacement for fume hoods. This has implications for energy use, HVAC systems, and lab layouts.

- From Tradeline's Academic Science Buildings 2006 Conference