Chemistry Teaching Lab - Arts/Science Building

The Buildings & Estates team at University of Galway in collaboration with Careys Building Contractors, STW Architects and School of Science & Engineering have delivered a state-of-the-art new chemistry lab upgrade within the Arts Science building. The €2.6m project was completed during the summer break and will be ready to welcome a fresh new group of students this September.

The project involved the upgrade of the current outdated lab and installation of new equipment including fume hoods, vacuum pumps, extraction arms, modern AV teaching system and bespoke workbenches as well as a complete overhaul of the mechanical and electrical services to deliver an optimal working environment.
The new lab will have capacity for 144 students at one time and features a fully wheelchair accessible height adjustable fume hood and workbench. We have introduced new extraction arms on the workbenches to provide local chemical extraction, improving student safety and offering a more professional working environment. For safety reasons gas Bunsen burners have been replaced with safer electrical dry baths.

There have been significant sustainability improvements achieved through the integration of all extraction elements with our modern BMS system so that fume hoods and airflow can be programmed to be operational only when the class is in use. Individual fume hoods are fitted with a ‘Sash Energy-Save' system which dramatically reduces energy use when sashes are closed. A new Distilled Water system dramatically reduces energy and water use in comparison to the old system. Energy efficient lighting on PIR sensors further adds to its sustainable credentials.
This project helps the University in its drive to achieve the SDG goals - especially those related to Quality Education (SDG4) Clean water and Sanitation (SDG6), Clean Energy (SDG7) Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG12) and Climate Action (SDG13).

Prof Walter Gear, Dean of the College of Science & Engineering, “We are very proud to have these new state of the art chemistry laboratories to allow our students to obtain a 21st century learning experience with world class facilities. “

Careys completed the project on a tight schedule and handed over Marian Vignoles, Senior Technical Officer & Roisin Doohan, Chief Technical Officer, at School of Biological & Chemical Sciences on 2nd September in time to prepare for the new term. 

More photos available on our Chemistry Teaching Lab Projects webpage.