Conference Promotes Laboratory Sustainability in the Heart of Texas

In San Antonio, Texas—a city known for both its rich cultural history and its pioneering vision for the future—more than 600 laboratory designers and engineers will come together for the Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21) 2006 Annual Conference. This one-of-a-kind event will be held October 17-19, 2006, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

Labs21, a voluntary partnership program dedicated to improving the environmental performance of U.S. laboratories, is co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I²SL). The annual conference brings together industry leaders and professionals from around the globe to focus on the challenges and opportunities for laboratory sustainability.

The Labs21 2006 Annual Conference provides a forum for laboratory designers, engineers, and managers to learn about emerging solutions to sustainable design issues. Kicking off the 2006 conference, Juan Enriquez, the founding director of Harvard Business School’s Life Science Project and founder, chairman, and CEO of Biotechonomy, a life sciences research and investment firm, will deliver the keynote address at the opening plenary. Kevin Hydes, chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, and president and CEO of Keen Engineering, will conclude the conference with a talk during the closing plenary luncheon.

The conference agenda will feature informative technical and poster sessions and a Technology and Services Fair showcasing a wide variety of innovative products and service providers. Before and after the conference, symposia and workshops will cover topics ranging from hospital construction and renovation to facility operations and maintenance. Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to attend optional evening events, including an educational tour and reception at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research.

More information on the Labs21 program and conference, including a full conference agenda, detailed information on conference components, and registration information, can be found on the Labs21 Web site at www.labs21century.gov.

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