Sustainable Insights for Research Lab Designers: Casework Material Matters

For those designing casework in research labs, MSR Design’s study on embodied carbon is a good-read. The research dives into the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of various materials, offering guidance for sustainable choices.

Key Findings:

• Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) (especially when FSC-certified) have significantly lower GWP compared to steel casework, making them environmentally superior.
• Carbon sequestration plays a pivotal role in reducing embodied carbon for wood-based materials.

Where to Look in the Study:

• Figure 5 (Page 4): A graph showing GWP per linear foot of base cabinet, highlighting the sustainability advantages of FSC-certified plywood and OSB.
• “Best Casework Choices” Section (Page 5): Materials are ranked, with wood options like FSC-certified plywood topping the list for their lower embodied carbon footprint.

This research underscores the importance of sustainability in design. By prioritizing materials like FSC-certified wood, we can reduce environmental impact while delivering high-performing lab spaces.