Laboratories can have a major environmental impact from using large quantities of energy and water to maintain controlled environments.  High energy and utility use increase direct costs and the associated capital, maintenance and other costs need to deliver the required cooling and ventilation.  This poses two questions.  Are energy reduction targets achievable in animal facilities?  Secondly,  is reduced energy consumption compatible with maintaining a high quality environment?  These questions are relevant as some new animal facilities consume additional energy to deliver increased capacity and improved environmental conditions; while others are not delivering 'value for the money'.  Laminar air flow cabinets protect the product, environment and operator in the presence of potential contamination, but can be energy hungry.  To determine the best trade-off between effective protection and minimal energy required to achieve it, a comparative study of 3 double sided laminar flow units used CFD to ascertain the efficacy of the protective curtain, both for product and operator in the presence of potential contaminant, as well as assessing values of main aerodynamic parameters.  These examples from research facilities in North America and Europe demonstrate that effective design can mitigate operating and environmental costs without compromising performance.

Bio:  Steven Cubitt - The Cube
Steven is the Director of the Cube which is based in Cambridge and Dublin.  He has specialized in Biomedical and Biology facility design, building and refurbishment projects for the last 10 years.  He completed his first Animal Facility project in 1985.  He is currently providing specialist services and consultancy on a wide range of projects in the UK and internationally.  Steven has followed a philosophy of designing facilities which meets the needs of the research, improves animal welfare, enables better science and produces an environment which recognizes the needs of the staff. 

Elected a Fellow of the Institute of Animal Technology in 1987, was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Technology in 1996 and Master of Science in Animal Technology in 2004 from Middlesex University.  In addition to working for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Cambridge University and Babraham Institute, he worked 18 years at Merck Research Laboratories on of the world's top pharmaceutical companies.  11 years as a Research Manager and 7 years on UK/USA project team developing new research facilities as part of a major expansion program.  He is also Secretary of Syllabus Review Group and Secretary of Board of Educational Policy for the Institute of Animal Technology.  Played a key part in the introduction of new educational system whos syllabus has been translated into 7 languages and been adopted by other countries.  He is also a member of Rodent Welfare Group and Rabbit Welfare Group.

Bio:  Jim Wallace - Science Associates
Jim Wallace is CEO of Science Associates, a laboratory animal training and management consultancy with clients in the UK, Europe and North America. Previously acted as a Bioscience Director for major academic research organisations in the UK. A specialist in Laboratory Animal Allergy, IVC systems and cancer research, he is credited with authored over 25 publications in these fields.