International Speakers Offer Virtual Learning Every Thursday in February

Looking for a way to expand your professional development without increasing your carbon

footprint? Plan to join us throughout February for Education Month, I2SL’s fourth annual virtual, international learning event in conjunction with Sustainable Labs Canada (SLCan), I2SL UK, and the EGNATON sustainable lab organization of Europe. To accommodate busy schedules and expand on our previous format, I2SL will be hosting live sessions each Thursday in February, along with a free preview day on January 29, featuring updates from I2SL and our international host organizations, as well as a taste of the topics to be covered each Thursday in February:

• February 5: System optimization sessions will cover deep energy retrofits, building monitoring systems, biosafety cabinets, and the use of building information modeling (BIM) to create modular mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design in labs.

• February 12: An emphasis on sustainable science will examine research processes and products, as well as European funding organizations focused on sustainability in grant submissions.

• February 19: Sustainable design case studies will present lab owners and architects focused on human-centric features and projects prioritizing carbon reduction.

• February 26: Decarbonization topics will include award-winning lab buildings with heat recovery, energy-efficient measures, and net-zero emissions.

I2SL members can register now on the I2SL website for just $60; non-member registration is $90. University, government, and non-profit members can register for just $30 (students are $25); rates for non-members from those organizations are $60.

Registered attendees can tune in to the sessions live or view recordings afterward; registrants will receive details to access the sessions closer to the event. Those who view the presentations live or watch the recordings will earn learning units for each session from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or can receive a certificate for self-reporting to other professional organizations.

Speakers confirmed to date include recent I2SL award-winners who will discuss some of the hottest lab building projects and trends in sustainable design, decarbonization, and energy efficiency. International speakers will discuss lab system optimization and decarbonization projects from Canada, China, the United Kingdom, and more. Researchers and designers will give their perspectives on making labs more accessible for users and reducing embodied carbon through mass timber and building renovation. European speakers will share their latest life cycle assessment studies and progress on greening research grant funding for sustainable science.

More details will be posted on the Education Month web page as additional speakers are confirmed. Register now to get a jump on your 2026 learning!