Quantum labs that flex: Building competitive research infrastructure for grant success and net-zero goals

The University of Arizona's Grand Challenges Research Building serves as a benchmark for adaptable, high-performance quantum environments that attract interdisciplinary research funding while advancing decarbonization mandates. Presenters reveal modular laboratory design strategies that flex from wet to damp to dry configurations, accommodating specialized grant requirements like vibration control and total darkness alongside collaborative spaces that foster cross-disciplinary proposals. They examine all-electric MEP systems engineered for harsh climates, featuring high-performance envelope strategies that reduce operating costs while harvesting daylight and creating usable outdoor spaces. They detail the engineering decisions—from strategic metering that shaped HVAC design to accessible spare utility planning—that position this LEED Gold facility to capture competitive quantum research grants while achieving 2040 net-zero targets and supporting evolving scientific priorities.