CLEANROOMS
Sustainability in cleanroom design
Phillip Godden, chief executive of Total Clean Air Limited, explains why speed, flexibility, and sustainability are no longer competing priorities in cleanroom design – they are expected as standard.
Sustainability in both cleanroom construction and operation is now a core consideration when selecting a supplier – representing a clear shift from what was once seen as a ‘nice to have’. Industries from pharmaceuticals to semiconductor manufacturing face increased environmental scrutiny coupled with a desire for more energy-friendly solutions in the short and long-term. One of the most significant evolutions over the past few years has been the move away from traditional ‘stick’ builds with the associated long planning and delivery time, towards eco-friendly build options that are flexible enough to be reconfigured, added to, moved, or repurposed. These modular options allow for a longer life, and offer reductions on waste materials and non- recyclables such as concrete. Modular typically also offers a quicker delivery. Off-site construction allows all skilled workers to be present, in a controlled factory environment, with quality checks and modern build assurance present throughout all stages of the build. This results in a significantly better build from the onset, which in turn reduces site snagging, drastically reduces build time on site, reduces the likelihood of delays due to inclement weather, and delivers at speed.
Tackling the challenge of energy consumption Energy consumption is an important consideration in both cleanroom design and operation. Electricity prices have risen substantially over recent years, driven by global energy transitions and ongoing geopolitical pressures impacting supply and pricing. Cleanrooms are energy-hungry environments,
making electricity usage an important component when considering cleanroom specification and operations. Cleanrooms can require up to 30 times more energy than standard offices or commercial premises (based on LBNL cleanroom energy studies). HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air control) and lighting typically account for most of the consumption. A range of approaches can be adopted to reduce
energy consumption and improve operational sustainability.
Design and construction phase The design and build of the cleanroom itself is a critical starting point and generally represents the optimum time to embed sustainability into your project. Bespoke construction options can allow you to gain the strongest environmental credentials, optimised, and tailored to your
specific operations and industry requirements. High-quality insulation is a fundamental consideration and will immediately help regulate internal temperatures, particularly important if the cleanroom is a modular build installed externally or subject to challenging new weather extremes. Thermal performance standards involving low U-values in line with highest building regulations will also help to reduce the load on HVAC systems. In parallel, careful specification of HVAC and lighting systems is an essential part of the commissioning process. Systems can be tailored to your requirements, whether that is a need to meet specific manufacturing regulations within your industry, such as GMP standards for the pharmaceutical industry or exacting specifications for healthcare laboratories. LED lighting with intelligent controls, variable speed fans, and demand-controlled ventilation are amongst the options that can contribute to efficiency gains. Today’s ethos is on focusing on the process being performed within the cleanroom, the contamination created and optimal methods of airflow distribution and recovery – to deliver the right balance of delivered clean air to maintain cleanroom performance. Gone are the days of the more air the better! The leading cleanroom providers and clients are homing in on engineering precision from concept to creation. Energy management and not being wasteful are part of good cleanroom design DNA.
Bespoke cleanroom construction means optimised design tailored to specific operational requirements.
October 2026 Health Estate Journal 157
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