Driving better performing laboratories
Author
Christine Kiltie
Date
04 November 2026
Our Managing Partner, Philip Macdonald and our Associate Karen Shaw, have been accredited as Labs2Zero Champions, reinforcing Oberlanders' commitment to delivering high-performance, low-carbon laboratory environments.
The Labs2Zero accreditation builds on Philip’s long-standing involvement with the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (‘I2SL’), as a board member of I2SL US and founder of the I2SL UK Chapter. Through these roles, he has helped expand the reach and impact of one of the world's leading organisations dedicated to sustainable laboratory design.
Karen is a key member of our science and technology team, having applied her laboratory design expertise to many projects, including the recently completed Edinburgh Innovation Hub, a flagship science and innovation facility.
Laboratories are among the most complex and energy-intensive building types. Their specialist requirements mean they demand a different approach to sustainability, operational performance and carbon reduction than conventional commercial buildings.
Developed by the I2SL, the Labs2Zero programme provides a robust framework for helping laboratory owners, operators and design teams reduce energy consumption and emissions without compromising performance. Through benchmarking tools, performance scoring systems, training and actionable recommendations, it enables organisations to identify opportunities for improvement and track progress towards lowering whole building energy usage.
As Labs2Zero Champions, Philip and Karen have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the programme's methodologies and tools, including the Lab Benchmarking Tool, Energy and Operational Emissions Scores, and the Actionable Insights and Measures (AIM) Report. The I2SL UK Chapter are currently working towards further training opportunities for Labs2Zero Champions in the coming months.
For our clients, these accreditations mean access to recognised expertise and practical, evidence-based guidance on improving laboratory performance. Whether developing a new facility or optimising an existing one, Philip and Karen can help identify opportunities to reduce operational energy use, lower carbon emissions and enhance long-term efficiency.
The accreditations ensure Oberlanders remains at the forefront of laboratory design. With many of the most advanced approaches emerging from North America, our involvement in particular with I2SL, provides direct access to the latest thinking, tools and best practice, helping our clients benefit from knowledge that is shaping highest-performing research environments.
Philip Macdonald
Managing Partner
