Labs2Zero Looks to Add Expertise and Continue Scoring Progress in 2025

You’ve probably heard by now that I2SL is preparing to release an automated lab building energy audit tool—the Actionable Insights and Measures (AIM) Report—as part of its Labs2Zero decarbonization program. However, there are a number of other efforts planned for 2025 to improve existing Labs2Zero tools, including the Energy Score, Operational Emissions Score, and the I2SL Lab Benchmarking Tool (LBT); and to develop new offerings, such as an Embodied Carbon Score, certifications, and trainings on how to use the LBT and the AIM Report. Those interested in contributing to these efforts are welcome to join one of several Labs2Zero Technical Advisory Councils (TACs).

The availability of the Labs2Zero Energy Score, a free rating for lab buildings based on data entered into the LBT, has catalyzed large amounts of data entry from lab buildings since the score’s release in 2023. Thanks to this significant expansion of the LBT dataset, I2SL is now working with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) to reanalyze the Energy Score to provide more accurate results. LBNL recently proposed a new scoring formula, which was reviewed by the Energy Score TAC. The new Energy Score is planned for release later in 2025, when LBT users will be able to see their buildings’ updated scores.

Labs2Zero’s Operational Emissions Score is currently in a pilot phase and includes location-based emissions only. Working with the Operational Emissions TAC, I2SL will continue research and planning to potentially include market-based emissions reductions, such as renewable energy credits, in the Labs2Zero emissions scoring. The Operational Emissions Score will also be updated a result of the Energy Score reanalysis. Meanwhile, the Embodied Carbon TAC will resume work to support the creation of a Labs2Zero Embodied Carbon Score and a best practice guide. And the TAC formerly dedicated to LBT enhancement will shift to become the Software Testing and UX TAC, focusing on user experience with all the Labs2Zero tools.

AIM Report pilot testing was recently completed, and I2SL plans to release the tool publicly later this year. For those interested in using AIM to audit buildings, entering your facility and energy data into the LBT now will mean you can get started on building your package of energy-saving measures with the click of a button once AIM is released. If you haven’t used the LBT before, read this quick-start guide. To review aspects of the final tool before its release, several AIM TACs will resume shortly and will focus on measures and impacts; the baseline model; installed costs; and case studies.

After I2SL develops a workshop on how to use the AIM tool and begins scoping out plans for a Labs2Zero certification program, TACs will be formed to provide input. For more information about Labs2Zero efforts or to volunteer to join any of the TACs described above as a technical expert or co-chair, please email info@i2sl.org.