How to Choose the Right Site for a Life Sciences Laboratory

Choosing the right location for a new laboratory is one of the most important decisions a life sciences company can make.

Whether developing a biotech laboratory, pharmaceutical facility, research lab or advanced manufacturing space, site selection directly impacts operational efficiency, compliance, safety and future growth.

Unlike traditional commercial buildings, laboratory facilities have unique infrastructure, utility, regulatory and security requirements that must be carefully evaluated before construction begins.

So, what should organizations consider when evaluating a potential site?

Below are five factors that can help support successful laboratory site selection and life sciences facility planning.

1) Location and Access to the Right Ecosystem

Location is often the first and most strategic consideration in laboratory site selection.

Because laboratories support highly specialized activities, selecting the right geography involves more than simply finding available land or building space.

Organizations should evaluate:

• Zoning and Regulatory Requirements

Before moving forward, confirm that the site supports laboratory operations in accordance with local zoning and land-use regulations.

Municipal requirements can influence:

• • Permitted research activities 
  • Hazardous material storage 
  • Waste disposal requirements 
  • Building modifications 
  • Future expansion opportunities 

• Access to Talent and Collaboration

For many life sciences organizations, proximity to universities, hospitals, research institutions, and biotech companies can provide valuable opportunities for collaboration, recruiting and innovation.

Established life sciences hubs, such as Raleigh-Durham, Boston and San Diego, often provide stronger access to talent, partnerships and shared research resources.

However, organizations may also evaluate emerging markets with lower operating costs and lower cost of living.

• Transportation and Logistics

Some laboratories require proximity to airports, shipping hubs, and specialized transportation networks, particularly when handling sensitive samples, biological materials or time-sensitive research components. 

2) Utilities, Power and Specialized Infrastructure

One of the biggest differences between laboratory construction and traditional commercial development is infrastructure demand.

Laboratories require highly reliable and specialized utility systems to support research activities.

Water and Plumbing Requirements

Many labs require:

• Dedicated drainage systems 
• High-purity water 
• Reverse osmosis systems 
• Sterilization systems 
• Specialized ventilation 

For example:

• Microbiology laboratories may require filtration and sterilization systems. 
• Chemistry laboratories may require gas chromatography, distillation and hazardous exhaust systems. 

Fume hoods, laboratory sinks and contamination prevention systems also require specialized plumbing and mechanical design. 

Electrical Capacity and Reliability

Laboratories often have significantly higher power demands than standard office buildings.

Sensitive research equipment may require:

• Precision environmental controls 
• Backup power systems 
• Stable electrical delivery 
• Temperature and humidity control 
• Specialized power configurations 

High-demand equipment, such as advanced imaging or testing systems, can quickly exceed traditional building electrical capacity.

Sustainability Considerations

As utility demands increase, organizations may also evaluate energy-efficient and resilient power solutions to reduce operational risk and protect sensitive equipment. 

3) Size, Layout and Future Expansion

Successful laboratory planning and design requires balancing current operational needs with long-term flexibility.

Scientific programs evolve quickly, and facilities often need to adapt to new research methods, technologies or equipment.

When evaluating a site, organizations should consider:

Space Requirements

The site should support:

• Research spaces 
• Specialized equipment 
• Administrative offices 
• Storage 
• Mechanical systems 

Adequate circulation space is equally important for both workflow efficiency and safety.

Flexibility for Future Growth

A laboratory designed only for today’s needs may become constrained tomorrow.

Facilities should allow for:

• Equipment expansion 
• Program growth 
• Reconfiguration of lab environments 
• Additional utilities 

Workflow and Contamination Control

Laboratory layouts should support the safe movement of:

• Personnel 
• Equipment 
• Samples 
• Materials 

Proper planning reduces the risk of contamination and cross-contamination while improving operational efficiency. 

4) Structural Requirements for Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory facilities often house specialized equipment that places unique demands on a building’s structure.

Unlike traditional office environments, many life sciences facilities require additional structural support for heavy and highly sensitive equipment.

Examples may include:

• Electron microscopes 
• MRI systems 
• Mass spectrometers 
• Specialized testing equipment 

Some equipment may weigh hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds and require enhanced structural design to ensure stability and performance.

Additionally, laboratory utilities may need to be integrated directly into the building structure to support research operations.

Early coordination between architects, engineers and construction teams is essential to avoid costly redesigns later in the process. 

5) Security, Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

Laboratories operate in highly controlled environments.

Many facilities manage:

• Hazardous materials 
• Sensitive research 
• Intellectual property 
• High-value equipment 

Because of this, laboratory security planning is critical.

Physical Security

Advanced systems may include:

• Access control 
• Video surveillance 
• Intrusion detection 
• Secure storage areas 

These tools help protect personnel, research materials and equipment from theft, misuse or unauthorized access.

Regulatory Compliance

Many laboratories must comply with federal and state requirements for:

• Hazardous material storage 
• Disposal procedures 
• Environmental health and safety 
• Restricted access 

Failure to meet these requirements can create operational, legal and financial risks.

Intellectual Property Protection

Life sciences organizations invest heavily in research and development.

Security measures help safeguard sensitive information and proprietary discoveries from both physical and digital threats. 

Why Laboratory Site Selection Matters

The success of a new laboratory begins long before design and construction.

Selecting the right site influences:

• Research capabilities 
• Compliance 
• Operational costs 
• Employee recruitment 
• Future scalability 
• Long-term facility performance 

Organizations that carefully evaluate location, utilities, layout, structural requirements and security needs are better positioned to support future scientific growth.

How GBA Supports Life Sciences Facility Planning

Selecting a laboratory site requires close coordination between planners, architects, engineers and construction professionals.

With more than 55 years of experience supporting life sciences engineering, architecture and construction, GBA helps organizations evaluate and develop facilities designed for performance, compliance and long-term growth.

Our integrated team supports:

• Laboratory site selection 
• Life sciences facility planning 
• Engineering and architecture 
• Utility and infrastructure planning 
• Laboratory construction 
• Regulatory coordination 

Whether expanding an existing campus or developing a new facility, we help clients create spaces that support innovation from day one.