How Much Does It Cost to Build a 2-8℃ Pharmaceutical Cold Storage per Square Meter?

In the pharmaceutical industry, maintaining strict temperature standards is crucial for drug safety and quality. One of the most common solutions is building a 2-8℃ pharmaceutical cold storage (GSP/GMP compliant cold room). But how much does it cost to construct such a facility per square meter?

1. Average Construction Cost per Square Meter

The construction cost of a 2-8℃ pharmaceutical cold storage typically ranges from USD 130 – 220 per square meter (approximately RMB 900 – 1500). However, the actual price depends on several factors such as project scale, equipment configuration, geographic location, and certification requirements.

• Small-scale cold room (100㎡): USD 14,000 – 21,000
• Medium-scale cold room (500㎡): USD 65,000 – 110,000
• Large-scale cold room (1000㎡): approx. USD 130,000+

👉 Generally, the larger the cold storage, the lower the unit cost per square meter.

2. Key Cost Components

(1) Refrigeration Equipment

The refrigeration system is the most critical and costly part. If you choose international brands such as Bitzer or Copeland, the cost will be higher. Pharmaceutical cold storage also requires one operating + one standby compressor unit, which almost doubles the equipment investment.

(2) Insulation Materials

Most pharmaceutical cold rooms use 100–150mm polyurethane insulated panels with double-sided color steel. The thicker the insulation, the better the performance, but also the higher the cost (around USD 18–22 per m²).

(3) Control & Monitoring Systems

To meet GSP/GMP compliance, the cold storage must be equipped with:

• Automatic temperature control systems
• Data recording and alarm systems (for temperature deviation, power failure, etc.)
• Optional: smart monitoring, remote access, redundant power supply

These systems usually account for 10–15% of the total investment.

3. Certification & Compliance (GSP/GMP)

Unlike ordinary cold rooms, pharmaceutical cold storage facilities must pass GSP (Good Supply Practice) certification. This involves:

• Design review & approval
• On-site supervision during construction
• Acceptance tests and validation reports

Such processes may add extra costs for compliance but are essential to ensure the facility meets pharmaceutical safety standards.

If you are planning to build a GSP/GMP-compliant pharmaceutical cold storage, check out our real pharmaceutical cold storage project case study.