New standards for safe and efficient life science laboratories
In an independent laboratory study, Siemens has shown how precisely controlled ventilation systems can significantly increase safety, efficiency and flexibility in life science laboratories. The PEARL project provides comprehensive comparative data under realistic load conditions for the first time and forms the basis for the further developed Smart Lab Ecosystem.
Siemens recently presented the results of the study on laboratory ventilation conducted between November 2024 and February 2025, which was realized together with H. Lüdi + Co. AG and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts as an independent testing institute. The project, known as PEARL, is the first global comparative test in which different ventilation and air distribution systems for laboratories were tested against each other under controlled, real-life conditions.
Three different air supply systems were tested in seven configurations, which were controlled under identical conditions and driven to their performance limits. The data obtained in this way provides detailed information on safety and contamination control, user comfort, system flexibility, adaptability and ventilation efficiency.
Precise volume flow control helps save costs
The key finding of the study is the importance of precise volume flow control: an oversupply of air can disrupt controlled conditions, drive up costs and increase CO₂ emissions. In some scenarios, less than half the usual air volume was sufficient, which improved ventilation efficiency by 45 percent and optimized the removal of hazardous gases and heat.
At the same time, a better controlled airflow reduced the recovery time after simulated spills by up to 29 percent, which directly increases user safety and comfort. PEARL therefore recommends that laboratories should no longer be designed for a fixed purpose, but rather as next-generation scalable environments with loads from zero to 300 watts per square meter.
In parallel to the physical tests, Siemens created a digital model of the entire test setup and simulated the test series. The comparison with the real measurements confirms the high accuracy of the digital twin and enables future laboratory designs to be optimized virtually in terms of performance, safety and comfort.
For more energy efficiency in laboratories
Against a backdrop of growing investment in research and an increasing number of biotechnology projects, PEARL aims to help meet the global demand for safe, flexible and energy-efficient laboratory space. In the UK alone, around one million square meters of additional laboratory space will be needed over the next five years to meet the projected demand.
Based on the results of the study, Siemens has further developed the modular Smart Lab Ecosystem, which enables highly adaptable laboratory environments from basic research to high-security laboratories. The platform is designed to speed up the planning and configuration of laboratories up to biosafety level 2 by up to 80 percent and offer customers a turnkey, future-proof infrastructure.
Source: Siemens Switzerland
