IERC

Fermilab earned national recognition for its sustainability efforts, receiving three prestigious awards from the U.S. Department of Energy. The laboratory’s new Integrated Engineering Research Center was celebrated for its environmentally friendly design. The successful transition of 32% of Fermilab’s fleet to zero emission vehicles was also recognized.

The award-winning, state-of-the-art research facility is now officially ready to host scientific exploration, collaboration and innovation.

Lab leadership formed a new team of specialists to provide institutional support for its grassroots sustainability efforts.

On April 13, Gov. Pritzker and other local legislators joined DOE officials at Fermilab for the “Building Fermilab’s Future” event, which marked the opening of the IERC and PIP-II Cryoplant buildings and the groundbreaking for the Linac Complex.

Scientists and engineers from around the world collaborate with Fermilab to develop state-of-the-art technologies and solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time. Here is a look at 10 ways they advanced science and technology this year.

From the Daily Herald, Dec. 5, 2022: Senator Dick Durbin introduced legislation to rename Fermilab’s Integrated Engineering Research Center after the late Helen Edwards, the particle physicist who worked at Fermilab for 40 years. The legislation is supported by U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, who knew Edwards, and by U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

The addition of a new research facility on site is a landmark for both engineering and sustainability.

From Lab Manager, June 29, 2021: The new Fermilab Integrated Engineering Research Center (IERC) is the first cross-divisional facility on Fermilab’s campus spanning over 79,208 gross sq. ft. The IERC will serve as an integrator for various research efforts and is expected to be complete June 2022.

From ENR, Jan. 18, 2021: The upcoming two-story Integrated Engineering Research Center will provide Fermilab staff and users with highly modular, flexible working environment. In its plan, the architecture team sought to maximize flexibility for wherever science may take particle physics over the next 50 years.

From Building, Design and Construction, Sept. 14, 2020: This fall, construction is scheduled to begin on the Integrated Engineering Research Center, an 85,000-square-foot infrastructure project at Fermilab. Lots of natural light and hybrid labs will distinguish the new center.