The MDI Biolab is the first LEED certified biomedical research lab in Maine, and one of only a few in the country. It is also one of a small number of U.S. laboratories dedicated to the study of marine organisms in hopes of leading to improvements in human and environmental health.

The new Biolab building consists of 15,000 square feet of usable space, providing laboratory and office space for six full-time research groups, a library, a 1,200 square foot research training laboratory, wet labs and an imaging center.

This project is seeking LEED Certification and has incorporated many features that will reduce the building’s impact on the environment. Lumber used for this project was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and many of the trees harvested during site clearance were used in the construction of the building. The insulation is soy based foam and the steel has a high content of recycled material. The urinals are waterless, the toilets are dual flush models, and the energy consumption is forecasted at 42% less than a typical lab.

The construction debris from this project was recycled with over 90% diverted from landfills.