Sustainable Labs
Labs on campus consume huge amounts of energy and produce a lot of waste. In fact, labs can use 5-10 times more energy than office spaces and produce an estimated 5.5 million tons of plastic waste per year (~2% of all plastic waste produced globally). This means there are big upsides in making your lab more sustainable!
We are here to certify your lab as sustainable; provide waste, energy, and purchasing tips; and help you get involved with programs like Lab Reuse and the Freezer Challenge.
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Sustainable Lab Certification
Are you curious about sustainable opportunities for your lab? Are you unsure what actions to take in your workplace for the biggest sustainable impact? The Sustainable Lab certification is for you!
This self-guided form will allow you to identify opportunities, benchmark against other labs, and connect to resources. This program will ultimately earn you a sustainability rating (from Bronze to Platinum) and public recognition for your efforts!
Once the form is submitted, an OCS staff member will work with you to assess next steps to achieving your sustainability rating.
Safer Chemicals/Green Chemistry
- Consider using safer alternatives to ethidium bromide for DNA research. GelRed and SYBR Safe can safely be washed down a sink drain, whereas ethidium bromide has to be disposed of as hazardous waste (not to mention being a health hazard, especially to pregnant women).
- Become familiar with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
- Review the safer solvents substitution list.
- Use the Millipore Sigma DOZN tool for reaction-specific green chemistry improvements.
Additional Action Ideas
- Become a My Green Lab Ambassador.
- Want to see sustainability included in grant applications? Sign the Million Advocates for Sustainable Science petition.
Questions? Email [email protected].
