How To Green Lab?
Through our 'How to Green Lab' monthly series, we share useful tips and hacks to help you green your lab!
Follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn to receive a #HowToGreenLab tip every month!
Follow us on Twitter & LinkedIn to receive a #HowToGreenLab tip every month!
August 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab is to put autoclaves in standby mode when not in use and only run them when full.
Autoclaves consume 84 kWh per 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.
Stay tuned for My Green Lab's AP Program energy module to learn more about how you can reduce energy in the lab – launching soon!
This month's #HowToGreenLab is to put autoclaves in standby mode when not in use and only run them when full.
Autoclaves consume 84 kWh per 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.
Stay tuned for My Green Lab's AP Program energy module to learn more about how you can reduce energy in the lab – launching soon!
July 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab is to reduce your use! The best way to impact waste is to reduce its production from the start. Here are some tips to reduce you lab's contribution to the landfill:
This month's #HowToGreenLab is to reduce your use! The best way to impact waste is to reduce its production from the start. Here are some tips to reduce you lab's contribution to the landfill:
- Once upon a time scientists used glassware instead of plasticware. Determine if there are any single-use plastics used by your lab that could be swapped for glass and reused indefinitely, reducing your lab’s need to purchase single-use materials.
- Share resources. If you have something you're not using, offer it to a colleague. This includes equipment, reagents, and consumable supplies. Be sure to do so in accordance with your organization’s Environmental Health & Safety guidelines.
- Consolidate orders, and order what you need (bulk purchases are only a good deal if you need that much). If you only require a small amount, consider asking for a sample instead.
- Purchase from vendors that have sought to reduce their packaging. Many vendors have made conscious decisions to use smaller boxes and materials that are more readily recyclable in shipments.
June 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to rethink the way you light your lab. There are a variety of options to reduce the amount of light that is used in your lab, including:
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to rethink the way you light your lab. There are a variety of options to reduce the amount of light that is used in your lab, including:
- LED lighting: An energy-efficient alternative to traditional lighting that can significantly reduce energy usage in a lab.
- Label switches: Multiple light switches can be confusing and can lead to improper use. If more than one light switch is in a panel, mark the switches to indicate their function.
- Task Lamps: If you’re working at your desk, there is no need for all of the lights to be on in the lab. Instead of overhead lights, consider task lamps.
May 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to purchase energy efficient equipment! Freezers, refrigerators, ice machines, vortexes, drying ovens, and water baths are just a few examples of appliances that can be ENERGY STAR labeled, EU Energy Labeled, or labeled through the relevant energy efficiency program for your region. These energy efficiency programs are great resources for making smart, sustainable purchases.
Additionally, the ACT Label database has a wide variety of equipment and products that can help you consider the environmental impact of lab products and make informed purchases. Check it out: https://actdatabase.mygreenlab.org/
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to purchase energy efficient equipment! Freezers, refrigerators, ice machines, vortexes, drying ovens, and water baths are just a few examples of appliances that can be ENERGY STAR labeled, EU Energy Labeled, or labeled through the relevant energy efficiency program for your region. These energy efficiency programs are great resources for making smart, sustainable purchases.
Additionally, the ACT Label database has a wide variety of equipment and products that can help you consider the environmental impact of lab products and make informed purchases. Check it out: https://actdatabase.mygreenlab.org/
April 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to use your voice to bring awareness to lab sustainability and help drive greener practices.
“Scientists don’t always realize the power of their voices within the scientific sector – your purchasing decisions matter; where you choose to travel for conferences (or how) matters; your sustainable actions at the lab bench matter; what you discuss with suppliers and sales reps matters," says Senior Programs Manager Christina Greever. "Collectively, the voice of scientists could be enormous, and the lab sustainability movement has been working for years to bring those voices together into a loud chorus that will change how science is done.”
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to use your voice to bring awareness to lab sustainability and help drive greener practices.
“Scientists don’t always realize the power of their voices within the scientific sector – your purchasing decisions matter; where you choose to travel for conferences (or how) matters; your sustainable actions at the lab bench matter; what you discuss with suppliers and sales reps matters," says Senior Programs Manager Christina Greever. "Collectively, the voice of scientists could be enormous, and the lab sustainability movement has been working for years to bring those voices together into a loud chorus that will change how science is done.”
March 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to practice good inventory management.
Good inventory management practices can lead to significant cost savings for the lab (by avoiding duplicate purchases), and can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced by the lab (with fewer out-of-date bottles discarded).
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to practice good inventory management.
Good inventory management practices can lead to significant cost savings for the lab (by avoiding duplicate purchases), and can significantly reduce the amount of waste produced by the lab (with fewer out-of-date bottles discarded).
February 2023
This month's green lab tip is to turn to tech! When appropriate and possible, consider using computer simulations to reduce the amount of chemicals and reagents used in your experiments.
This month's green lab tip is to turn to tech! When appropriate and possible, consider using computer simulations to reduce the amount of chemicals and reagents used in your experiments.
January 2023
This month's #HowToGreenLab Tip: Share equipment among labs!
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. Say your lab has two HPLCs that are only used, on average, 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.
This month's #HowToGreenLab Tip: Share equipment among labs!
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. Say your lab has two HPLCs that are only used, on average, 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.
December 2022
Did you know that Preventative maintenance can help keep cold storage running efficiently? Here are a few tips to properly maintain cold storage
Join the 2023 Freezer Challenge to learn more great ways to be energy efficient with your lab's cold storage: https://www.freezerchallenge.org/
Did you know that Preventative maintenance can help keep cold storage running efficiently? Here are a few tips to properly maintain cold storage
- Clean heat exchange coils and clean or replace filters help to make sure cold storage can exchange heat efficiently. This will save 10% of energy.
- Ensure you're defrosting regularly so that space is used efficiently and so you don’t get ice build up (which can make it so the door doesn’t shut properly - a common issue in laboratories).
- Check door seals. Cracks and tears can let hot air in and make the compressor run more to maintain low temperatures.
Join the 2023 Freezer Challenge to learn more great ways to be energy efficient with your lab's cold storage: https://www.freezerchallenge.org/
November 2022
Did you know that low-flow aerators can help reduce faucet flow from 4.0 gallons/minute to <1.5 gallons/minute? Low-flow aerators simply screw onto the end of faucets and reduce flow without changing water pressure. It’s an easy and cheap option that will significantly reduce water usage. Your organization may even have aerators on hand and can help install them. All you have to do is ask! #HowToGreenLab
In a case study conducted at UC San Diego in 2017-2018, aerators installed in labs across the campus saved a whopping 926,000 gallons of potable water per year.
Did you know that low-flow aerators can help reduce faucet flow from 4.0 gallons/minute to <1.5 gallons/minute? Low-flow aerators simply screw onto the end of faucets and reduce flow without changing water pressure. It’s an easy and cheap option that will significantly reduce water usage. Your organization may even have aerators on hand and can help install them. All you have to do is ask! #HowToGreenLab
In a case study conducted at UC San Diego in 2017-2018, aerators installed in labs across the campus saved a whopping 926,000 gallons of potable water per year.
October 2022
Your lab undoubtably receives a lot of deliveries, which can include an excessive amount of ice packs within the packaging. A great way to repurpose these ice packs is to connect with local sports teams or university gyms who can reuse ice packs for sports injuries.
Your lab undoubtably receives a lot of deliveries, which can include an excessive amount of ice packs within the packaging. A great way to repurpose these ice packs is to connect with local sports teams or university gyms who can reuse ice packs for sports injuries.
September 2022
My Green Lab offers a suite of leading-edge programs to engage everyone from students
and researchers, to laboratories, major institutions, and corporations in an effort to fundamentally and permanently improve the environmental performance of scientific research.
Learn more about these programs on our website, here.
My Green Lab offers a suite of leading-edge programs to engage everyone from students
and researchers, to laboratories, major institutions, and corporations in an effort to fundamentally and permanently improve the environmental performance of scientific research.
Learn more about these programs on our website, here.
August 2022
The My Green Lab ACT Label database is a quick and easy way to compare lab consumables,
equipment, and reagents. Utilizing our database makes it easy for you to learn about the environmental impact of products, and helps you choose more sustainable products. #HowToGreenLab
Check out the database here.
The My Green Lab ACT Label database is a quick and easy way to compare lab consumables,
equipment, and reagents. Utilizing our database makes it easy for you to learn about the environmental impact of products, and helps you choose more sustainable products. #HowToGreenLab
Check out the database here.
July 2022
Steam Jacketed autoclaves use a lot of water to sterilize equipment, reagents, and hazardous waste in labs. By retrofitting autoclaves with water-saving devices, you can cut back water usage by 75-90%. That’s huge! Add this effective water-saving action to the top of your to-do list.
Learn more about water-saving devices for autoclaves here.
Steam Jacketed autoclaves use a lot of water to sterilize equipment, reagents, and hazardous waste in labs. By retrofitting autoclaves with water-saving devices, you can cut back water usage by 75-90%. That’s huge! Add this effective water-saving action to the top of your to-do list.
Learn more about water-saving devices for autoclaves here.
June 2022
While it may sound simple, turning off the lights at the end of the day can make a difference!
Lighting makes up around 15% of energy 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.
While it may sound simple, turning off the lights at the end of the day can make a difference!
Lighting makes up around 15% of energy 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.
May 2022
Scientific products use a lot of packaging, from boxes, to instructions, to double wrapping for sterile products, to shipping boxes with padding. Here are a few things to consider when addressing packaging waste:
Scientific products use a lot of packaging, from boxes, to instructions, to double wrapping for sterile products, to shipping boxes with padding. Here are a few things to consider when addressing packaging waste:
- Consolidate what you’re buying from different suppliers into one, or consolidate the number of times you place an order from a particular supplier.
- Designate an employee to handle orders, whether it’s one person who places all orders with all suppliers, or a designated person for each supplier.
- If applicable, consolidate orders with neighboring labs.
- If you have the space to store extra consumables, buy in bulk to reduce shipments.
- Right-size your purchases. For example, if you only need 50ml of a reagent for a set of experiments you’re planning, rather than buying a 1 liter bottle, buy the 100ml bottle. The bottle is smaller, and you’ll end up with less waste if you don’t use all of that chemical.
April 2022
Many companies have recognized the importance of helping labs divert their waste. Take-back programs can be free or relatively low cost, and are a great way to reduce the amount of waste your lab generates.
Here are a few take-back programs to explore: https://www.mygreenlab.org/take-back-programs.html
Many companies have recognized the importance of helping labs divert their waste. Take-back programs can be free or relatively low cost, and are a great way to reduce the amount of waste your lab generates.
Here are a few take-back programs to explore: https://www.mygreenlab.org/take-back-programs.html
March 2022
Chilling up your ultra-low freezer from -80 to -70 has two major benefits: it can reduce energy consumption by 30-40%, and in doing so it can prolong the life of your freezer. This means less down time and less chance that your samples will be compromised.
To learn how to be more energy efficient with your lab's cold storage, join the #FreezerChallenge! Learn more and sign up here: https://www.freezerchallenge.org/
Chilling up your ultra-low freezer from -80 to -70 has two major benefits: it can reduce energy consumption by 30-40%, and in doing so it can prolong the life of your freezer. This means less down time and less chance that your samples will be compromised.
To learn how to be more energy efficient with your lab's cold storage, join the #FreezerChallenge! Learn more and sign up here: https://www.freezerchallenge.org/
February 2022
The best way to impact waste is to reduce its production from the start. This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is to reduce your lab's contribution to the landfill. This can be achieved in a variety of ways, including:
-Purchasing items that have long lifetimes, or that eliminate waste streams.
-Sharing resources including equipment, reagents/chemicals, and consumables.
-Consolidating orders, and order only what you need.
Find more tips on how to reduce here.
-Purchasing items that have long lifetimes, or that eliminate waste streams.
-Sharing resources including equipment, reagents/chemicals, and consumables.
-Consolidating orders, and order only what you need.
Find more tips on how to reduce here.
January 2022
A great way to reduce water consumption in the laboratory is to eliminate single pass cooling - a wasteful process that can also be a safety hazard. Learn how to eliminate single-pass cooling by trying one of these alternatives here.
December 2021
Through this month's #HowToGreenLab, we encourage you to share your knowledge with those around you. When motivated by energetic and passionate individuals, a confident community forms—one that works towards and achieves collective goals. Harness the power of collective action!
November 2021
This month's #HowToGreenLab tip is about chemical inventories—a critical component of sustainable labs. Managing lab chemicals ensures that you don't duplicate chemical purchases or possess expired chemicals. Inventories can be used across departments, enabling chemical sharing.
October 2021
Did you know? Running screensavers requires the use of computer processing power & memory, & as a result uses energy. Our #HowToGreenLab tip this month is to turn off lab computers & monitors completely when not in use. Though it may seem simple, every bit of energy saved counts!
September 2021
This month's #HowToGreenLab is about take-back programs! Take-back programs are a free or relatively low cost option offering a great way to reduce the amount of waste your lab generates. Learn more here.
August 2021
Welcome to our new series, #HowToGreenLab! We'll be sharing useful tips and hacks to help you green your lab. Our first tip is all about how to save energy, which you can do by remembering to shut fume hood sashes when work in the hood is complete. A single chemical fume hood can use as much energy as 3.5 households EVERY DAY. By lowering the sash in certain types of fume hoods including variable air volume (VAV) fume hoods, you can save up to 40% of energy. Remember to "be good in the hood!"
