Life science companies nationwide are dedicated to cutting-edge research and developing critical innovations and medications. This type of mission-critical work requires reliable energy 24/7, and compared to similarly sized commercial office space, lab facilities require 10 times more energy.
Because of their energy-intensive needs, many life sciences companies have established sustainability goals for eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the planet. According to McKinsey research, the number of life science companies that have established carbon emission reduction goals increased by nearly 100 from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, many leading U.S. cities with booming life science markets also have aggressive climate action goals, making low-carbon sustainable energy a non-negotiable requirement.
Because of its high demand for energy and ambitious sustainability targets, the life sciences industry has a long history of leveraging green and reliable district energy for sterilization, humidity control, and building heating and cooling. As these companies expand in major U.S. cities close to Vicinity’s district energy systems, like in Philadelphia, Boston, and Baltimore, they can better meet their high energy needs and gain access to the right talent pool.
Vicinity currently provides steam to 33 life science facilities, totaling nearly 27 million square feet of building space. From supporting The Curtis’ office space to lab conversion in Philadelphia and providing carbon-free eSteamTM to IQHQ’s Fenway neighborhood district developments in Boston, district energy enables life science companies to excel as leaders in research and sustainability.
Why district energy is a trusted solution
State-of-the-art office and lab spaces support life science companies’ efforts to continuously operate without interruption, attract and retain top talent, and fulfill their corporate sustainability goals. While aging natural gas boilers require continuous maintenance and contribute to significant greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere due to the onsite combustion of fossil fuels, district steam better suits life sciences companies’ energy-intensive demand for heating, hot water, and sterilization without the ongoing maintenance costs.
Meeting high energy and reliability demands
Laboratories have particular and stringent energy requirements. From ventilation, space temperature, and humidity requirements to sterilization of laboratory tools and equipment, life science companies need high-quality, reliable thermal energy at a high volume to support their critical operations. Any potential interruptions can lead to millions of dollars in lost research and development, presenting a financial burden for life science companies and detrimental risks to advancing fundamental medical discoveries.
Optimizing energy efficiency to fulfill corporate sustainability goals
By leveraging district energy, facilities better support life sciences companies’ operational needs and sustainability commitments. Rather than relying on onsite boilers that continuously burn fossil fuels 24/7, companies only access steam when needed, maximizing the efficiency of their operations. Vicinity’s green steam is generated in combined heat and power (CHP) facilities, which produce electricity while simultaneously capturing waste heat that would otherwise be lost under conventional methods.
CHP systems are 25% more efficient than onsite generation, saving energy and reducing greenhouse emissions.
As Vicinity invests in upgrades at our central facilities, Vicinity’s operations will rely solely on renewable, carbon-free fuel sources and innovative technologies—including a blend of electric boilers, an industrial-scale heat pump complex, and thermal storage—to generate eSteam™. This transition enables life sciences customers, like IQHQ, to lead the way in decarbonization. Because district energy is safer, more efficient, and more resilient than conventional onsite energy generation, life sciences companies are closer to meeting their ambitious corporate goals.
Boosting tenant retention and satisfaction
In collaboration with life sciences real estate developers, Vicinity helps adapt buildings to better suit their needs. Building owners can rest assured that Vicinity’s long-term clean and reliable energy solution will enhance the overall satisfaction of their premier life sciences tenants while eliminating risks associated with outdated and inefficient equipment.
Benefits of district energy for mission-critical life sciences operations
Our energy solutions for life sciences are reliable and green, helping advance the innovations that propel our communities forward and protect our world.
- Increased reliability and sustainability – Without the burden of onsite combustion or maintaining chillers or boilers, district energy is a safer and more sustainable alternative. We have a 99.99% reliability guarantee and a team of over 450 energy experts, allowing you to focus on your work while we ensure 24/7 energy delivery.
- Optimal sterilization and humidification – The CDC recommends steam sanitation over conventional sanitation methods. Vicinity can provide a safer, more environmentally friendly energy solution to keep life science facilities primed for innovation.
- Uninterrupted energy supply – Proper operations and maintenance (O&M) of energy infrastructure ensures that laboratories and medical research facilities can rely on a reliable and uninterrupted thermal energy supply.
Get started with district energy today to decarbonize your life science buildings and access reliable, uninterrupted service.
