[2] The construction was majority funded by GlaxoSmithKline, as part of their commitment to green chemistry first announced in 2010,[3] and saw a grant of £12 million provided to the project.

[4] There are also dedicated instrument rooms, including nuclear magnetic resonance, and space to work with schools on outreach activities.

[5] The laboratory contains a number of innovations to reduce its environmental impact including a wooden construction, a green roof, solar panels, and extensive use of passive ventilation.

[6] The Carbon Neutral Laboratory was designed to minimise the impact on the environment of its construction and operation.

[10][11] Sixty firefighters from five crews attended the scene and gained control, with no injuries or damage to neighbouring buildings reported.

The report also determined that the rapid spread had been due to the partially completed state of the building, which lacked fire doors or windows, and had open voids within the floor.

[15] The opening eventually took place on 27 September 2017, with a conference led by Peter Licence, the head of the Carbon Neutral Laboratory.

Around 250 guests visited the lab on its opening day, including Martyn Poliakoff, Paul Anastas and Andrew Witty.