8 Ways to Save Energy in the Lab

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Laboratories are essential spaces for innovation and discovery, but they also rank among the most energy-intensive environments in any sector, second only to data centers in energy use per square foot. From specialized equipment to temperature-controlled storage, labs consume a tremendous amount of energy every day.

​The good news? There are many practical, proven steps you can take to reduce that impact without compromising scientific output. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your lab’s commitment to sustainability, here are 8 impactful actions you can take today to improve energy efficiency in the lab.

1. Close fume hood sashes when not in use. 

Variable air velocity fume hoods can consume around 3.5 homes’ worth of energy per day. Whereas constant air velocity fume hoods use the same amount of energy whether they're open or closed, variable air velocity fume hoods, when open, use a whopping 110 kWh/day. 

Fume hoods contain exhaust fans that help circulate air through both the hood and the lab. When the fume hood sash is open, these fans pull in large volumes of conditioned air that has been heated or cooled, only to exhaust it outside. This constant cycle of reheating and recooling of air significantly increases energy use. By shutting the sash, you'll reduce the amount of air being wasted, thus saving a great deal of energy.  

2. Put autoclaves in standby mode and only run when full.

Autoclaves consume 84  kWh/day. Specifically, large, steam-jacketed or medical grade autoclaves are massive energy consumers. Ensure you’re putting them into an energy-conserving or stand-by mode when not in use, and only run them when they are full to maximize efficiency. 

3. Set ultra-low temperature freezers to -70 C instead of -80 C.

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, particularly older models, can consume about 25-30  kWh/day, which is as much energy as a typical home uses in a day. Setting ULT freezers, particularly those that are 10-15 years old, to -70°C instead of -80°C can save up to 30% of this energy with minimal impact on sample integrity. 

To learn more about how to optimize the sustainability of lab cold storage management, visit our Freezer Challenge.

4. Turn off equipment when not in use.

There is a lot of variability in how much energy your lab equipment consumes. Many high-energy devices with big fan components (like biosafety cabinets), with heating or cooling elements (like drying ovens, incubators, or water baths), or those that require vacuum (like vacuum pumps), are found in a lab. Turning this equipment off when it’s not in use, or on nights and weekends, can have a big impact on energy usage. Plug load makes up about 20% of energy consumption in a lab. For U.S. labs, reducing plug load by just 10% is the equivalent of taking around 650,000 cars off the road.

You can simply remember to unplug the equipment, or invest in power strips to make it easy to turn multiple small pieces of equipment off all at once. If you need certain equipment to be ready for use when you walk into the lab, use outlet timers; this will ensure equipment automatically turns off at night and automatically turns on at the beginning of the day. 

5. Properly maintain cold storage.

Preventative maintenance can help keep cold storage running efficiently. Here are a few tips: 

• Clean heat exchange coils and clean or replace filters to improve heat transfer and reduce energy use by up to 10%.
• Defrost regularly so that space is used efficiently and so you don’t get ice buildup (which can make it so the door doesn’t shut properly, a common issue in laboratories).
• Inspect door seals for cracks and tears that can let hot air in and make the compressor run more to maintain low temperatures.

6. Share equipment and unplug duplicate equipment.

Equipment sharing has a similar energy-saving impact as turning off equipment when it’s not in use. Sharing equipment can be useful even for labs that are using their own equipment. Here’s where scheduling comes in handy. Figuring out how often your lab is using equipment can allow you to optimize the time that it’s in use. For example, if two HPLCs are used, on average, just 40% of the time, through simple scheduling, you can consolidate use on the first and unplug the second. You’ll save energy and have the second HPLC ready to bring back online if the first one breaks.

Shared resource or instrumentation facilities are particularly useful for universities, where bigger pieces of high-energy-consuming equipment are in a shared lab and everyone has access, reducing the need for multiple labs to have to buy their own.

7. Turn off the lights when the last person leaves the lab.

Lighting makes up around 15% of the energy use in the lab. Simply turning off the lights when you leave the lab or support rooms can have a significant impact. Turning off the lights during the day when ambient light is sufficient can even further reduce energy consumption. A small LED task light can provide additional illumination if needed and uses much less energy than overhead lights. 

8. Choose energy-efficient equipment and settings.

When upgrading or purchasing new lab equipment, such as centrifuges, incubators, or water baths, opt for models with energy-efficient features like eco modes, automatic shut-off, and enhanced insulation. Many newer models are designed to minimize energy use without compromising performance.
 
For existing equipment, check if energy-saving settings can be enabled. Even small adjustments to default operating modes can lead to significant energy reductions over time.
 
Consider selecting products that have been independently assessed for sustainability performance, including energy use. To explore and compare lab equipment across clear environmental standards, refer to the ACT Ecolabel database.

BONUS TIP: Share your sustainability efforts with others in your lab, building, department, or organization. Encourage others to change their behavior!
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Encourage your team to adopt energy-saving habits by sharing your successes. Whether it’s data, tips, or photos, spreading awareness helps build a culture of sustainability in your lab, department, or organization.