Energy – My Green Lab – Education https://mygreenlab.org Creating a culture of sustainability through science Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:15:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://mygreenlab.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/my-green-lab-favicon-100x100.png Energy – My Green Lab – Education https://mygreenlab.org 32 32 8 Ways to Save Energy in the Lab https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/8-ways-to-save-energy-in-the-lab/ Thu, 12 Jun 2025 18:18:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=38278 8 ways to save energy

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!

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.

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Five uplifting sustainability news stories this Earth Day https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/five-uplifting-sustainability-news-stories-this-earth-day/ Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:33:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37956

Earth Day is a time to come together in celebration of our planet and to remind ourselves that progress is possible. Amid the many environmental challenges we face, there are also incredible stories of innovation, resilience, and meaningful change happening all around the world.

To mark this Earth Day, we’re sharing five positive sustainability news stories that show what’s going right. From clean energy milestones to public transportation wins, these stories offer a healthy dose of hope and inspiration for anyone working toward a greener future.

1. California shows clean energy can power the grid and cut fossil fuels by 40%

A recent study led by Stanford University’s Dr. Mark Jacobson and published in the journal Renewable Energy found that California met 100% of its electricity demand with renewables for up to 10 hours daily over 98 days in 2024. Compared to the same period in 2023, fossil fuel use fell by an estimated 40%, driven by increases in solar and wind power and a 105% jump in battery output. Even with more electric vehicles and appliances, statewide energy demand dropped by 1%, thanks to more homes and businesses adopting solar-plus-storage systems.

2. The Ocean Cleanup intercepts 120 truckloads of trash before reaching the Gulf of Honduras

The Ocean Cleanup, an organization that develops and scales technologies to rid the oceans of plastics, reported that on February 17th, 2025 their Interceptor 006 installed at the Las Vacas River in Guatemala removed 120 truckloads of trash before it could reach the Gulf of Honduras. Rain came into the city the evening before, bringing with it a massive trash flood. Two excavators and seven trucks helped clean the site before the trash could make its way to the ocean.

In 2024, efforts by The Ocean Cleanup amounted to the removal of 11.5 million kilos of trash from oceans and rivers, surpassing the amount of trash removed in all previous years of their work combined.

3. Vertical farming is revitalizing empty commercial real estate

With more office spaces sitting vacant due to remote and hybrid work trends, a new use is taking root: vertical farming. In Virginia, the Plenty Richmond Farm is set to produce over 4 million pounds of strawberries each year using vertical towers, AI-driven plant monitoring, and climate-controlled systems. Meanwhile, in Canada, part of Calgary Tower has been transformed into a 65,000-square-foot indoor farm growing crops like kale, cucumbers, and strawberries.

Vertical farming offers key advantages for the environment. Crops can be grown year-round, fresh food is produced closer to where people live, and the method uses significantly less water (up to 90% less than traditional agriculture). Because crops are grown in controlled environments, the need for pesticides is greatly reduced. These innovative farms not only cut food miles and water use, but also breathe new life into underused real estate, proving that even the heart of the city can grow something green.

4. France passes bill to ban PFAS in consumer products by 2026

France has become the second EU country behind Denmark to take independent action against Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), passing a bill to ban the manufacture, import, and sale of the toxic “forever chemicals” in cosmetics, clothing, footwear, and ski wax starting in 2026. The bill also introduces PFAS monitoring in drinking water and imposes a new €100 fee per 100 g of PFAS released into the environment. While the bill is not comprehensive, kitchenware was excluded due to industry pushback, it is a positive step forward.

PFAS are known to persist in the environment for decades, accumulate in living organisms, and have been linked to a range of health risks including cancer and hormone disruption. France’s move signals growing momentum in Europe to phase out these hazardous substances before broader EU regulations take effect. Final procedural steps need to take place before President Macron can sign the bill into law.

5. Good news for global public transportation

Alaina Wood, Sustainability Scientist and Climate Activist who reports under the Instagram handle @itsthegarbagequeen, shared some good news on global public transportation efforts in a recent video:

  • Morocco ordered 200 new electric trains to modernize and expand their high-speed and intercity rail network.
  • Canada is set to invest billions in public transit improvements.
  • By 2030, Thailand is on track to get their first high speed rail line that will run through Laos and China.

If you're feeling inspired this Earth Day, consider donating to My Green Lab.

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The Power of Lab Leads in Advancing Sustainable Science https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/the-power-of-lab-leads-in-advancing-sustainable-science/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:18:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37947

Written by Jazmine Stenger-Smith, Sustainability Certifications Manager, Impact Laboratories

 

As sustainability becomes increasingly vital, My Green Lab® Certification provides a structured, effective framework for labs to implement and measure meaningful changes to reduce environmental impact. Central to the success of the certification process, which is designed to engage scientists and lab professionals, is the Lab Lead—a key champion who takes on the responsibility of guiding their lab through the certification process, spearheading sustainability initiatives, and helping build a culture of continuous improvement within their organization.

A Lab Lead coordinates sustainability efforts by overseeing the My Green Lab Certification criteria. They are responsible for engaging their team, administering the My Green Lab Certification surveys, tracking progress, facilitating discussions, and developing action plans. Their role is essential in ensuring that sustainability efforts recommended by the My Green Lab Certification program are seamlessly integrated into the daily operations of the lab.

While leading these initiatives requires dedication, it also provides many benefits, including valuable professional and personal growth opportunities. “Being a Lab Lead has allowed me to expand my knowledge and awareness of sustainability programs. It has helped me connect with people that I otherwise might not have connected with, and I’ve gotten better at stepping out of my comfort zone,” said Micah Stoltz, Operations Manager and My Green Lab Certification Lab Lead at the University of Colorado Boulder.

In organizations with multiple labs signed up to My Green Lab Certification, an Organization Admin helps coordinate efforts across multiple lab teams. For many, the experience of serving as a Lab Lead or Organization Admin not only deepens their knowledge of lab sustainability but also strengthens leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, helping drive measured change throughout the My Green Lab Certification process.

Transforming lab sustainability through My Green Lab Certification 2.0

My Green Lab Certification provides scientists and lab teams with actionable ways to implement sustainable practices without compromising ongoing research. The program assesses current lab operations, identifies areas for improvement, and helps teams reduce their environmental impact.

The recent My Green Lab Certification 2.0 update introduced groundbreaking tools and processes to make the certification process more interactive and measurable. Updates include third-party verification for greater credibility, streamlined engagement surveys for a smoother experience, and an Impact Estimator tool to track and measure progress. My Green Lab Certification 2.0 also includes a real time dashboard that shares a lab’s projected certification level and score.

Key features of My Green Lab Certification 2.0 Key features of My Green Lab Certification 2.0

Jasmine Stewart, Quality Control Sustainability – HSE Programme Manager and My Green Lab Certification Organisation Lead at AstraZeneca, highlighted the impact of this update: “The new version of the certification supports our strategy to engage and reinforce our proactive sustainability culture by making it easier for employees to complete. Additionally, being able to monitor completion in real-time through the streamlined survey was vital to getting high engagement across all of our teams – we achieved 100% survey completion across all of our supply and manufacturing QC labs!”

As My Green Lab Certification continues to evolve, the roles of Lab Lead and Organization Admin remain essential in ensuring its success. While taking on these roles requires initiative and organization, they also offer valuable career opportunities—all while making a measurable impact on lab sustainability.

The benefits of being a lab lead or organization admin

1. Sustainability Knowledge

Both Lab Leads and Organization Admins gain in-depth knowledge of sustainability in laboratory settings, learning how to implement practical solutions that benefit both their workplace and the environment. This includes best practices for reducing energy and water, minimizing waste, and optimizing resources, among others.

“There are some recommendations by My Green Lab that I wasn’t very familiar with, such as my campus’ use of renewables and the science behind composting,” said Micah. “Since our certification, I’ve become more familiar with composting in particular, as that’s one of the larger sustainability projects my department has implemented.”

2. Networking and collaboration

Becoming a Lab Lead or Organization Admin opens doors to new professional connections within and beyond the organization. Stepping into the role offers opportunities to create connections with internal and external stakeholders not typical in day-to-day operations, present sustainability data at conferences and industry events, and connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for sustainability.

“The qualities that would allow a Lab Lead to succeed are the ability to organize and have patience, perseverance, and motivation. In my experience, you’ll invariably face setbacks on some level, but don’t be discouraged!” said Micah. “A Lab Lead should connect with people who share their goals. Even better if they’re in positions that can influence positive change!”

3. Leadership and professional development

A Lab Lead is responsible for guiding their team through changes that occur in the lab, ensuring certification completion, and building a team of colleagues committed to sustainability. Managing and tracking these changes helps develop key leadership skills such as project management and decision-making.

“We’ve found that the Lab Lead programme is a fantastic opportunity to develop leaders within our labs,” said Jasmine. “People who want to see change, can listen to their teammates’ ideas and provide direction. Those who love project work do well in the role of Lab Lead. They practice how to lead a team, manage different priorities and improve their business exposure and network.”

As an Organization Admin acts as the main point of contact for multiple labs going through the process, coordination and clear communication are essential to keeping teams aligned and certification efforts on track.

Many Lab Leads and Organization Admins also leverage their experience for career advancement as experience can be added to PD plans as well as resumes and LinkedIn. Here’s an example of how Lab Leads can showcase this experience on their resume:

  • Acted as Lab Lead for My Green Lab Certification, applying project management skills to organize the certification process and implement sustainable changes. This role helped develop leadership abilities, team collaboration, and strategic thinking while deepening expertise in lab sustainability.

4. Organizational and problem solving skills

Acting as a Lab Lead provides a valuable opportunity to develop organizational skills and problem-solve. By coordinating the certification process, Lab Leads plan and implement sustainability initiatives and ensure that changes are seamlessly integrated into daily lab operations. Managing these responsibilities demonstrates strong time-management and problem-solving skills, and the ability to oversee complex projects.

“Being a lab lead helped me learn more about the obstacles facing the realization of sustainability projects,” said Micah. “It doesn’t mean these barriers can’t be overcome, but it does mean that you sometimes have to get creative in your solutions. One thing I’ve learned from my experience is that having and connecting with people who share your goals can make a world of difference. My Green Lab is a fantastic resource for that!”

5. Making an impact

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being a Lab Lead or Organization Admin is the ability to drive real environmental change. By leading the My Green Lab Certification process, individuals foster sustainable habits, implement best practices, and help cultivate a community of passionate individuals committed to making a lasting impact. Through My Green Lab Certification 2.0’s Impact Estimator tool, carbon and cost estimates of changing behaviors are tracked in real time.

Micah shared that he is proud of the University of Colorado Boulder’s composting program. “It was very much a multi-departmental effort to set up our program to compost soiled animal bedding on campus, which has diverted 180+ tons of material from landfills since we started. It is the biggest ‘green’ achievement my department has made so far, aside from becoming My Green Lab certified.”

Jasmine highlighted several sustainability initiatives that have made a meaningful impact at AstraZeneca, stating, “Our Switch-Off Optimisation Programme [SWOOP, an initiative aimed at reducing energy consumption in laboratories] and our Shut the Sash initiative [which focuses on promoting the closure of fume hood sashes when not in use], have been readily adopted as part of our teams’ sustainable behaviors.”

Leading the way in sustainable science

Becoming a Lab Lead or Organization Admin for the My Green Lab Certification process is a rewarding experience that develops leadership, sustainability knowledge, expands professional networks, and drives real environmental change.

Micah summed it up, saying: “The My Green Lab Certification process provides a lot of great suggestions and guidance on ways to make an impact. I love working with different groups and people with different knowledge, skillsets, and backgrounds. Being a Lab Lead has enabled me to connect with a variety of folks, and I love hearing everyone’s expertise and perspective.”

Learn more and sign up for My Green Lab Certification 2.0

Interested in starting your lab's sustainability journey? Explore My Green Lab Certification
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Advancing Laboratory Sustainability: Introducing My Green Lab® Certification 2.0 https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/advancing-laboratory-sustainability-introducing-my-green-lab-certification-2-0/ Tue, 28 Jan 2025 23:39:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=38247

My Green Lab is thrilled to announce the launch of My Green Lab Certification 2.0, the next generation of the world’s most trusted green lab certification! This enhanced certification program sets a new standard for sustainability in science, featuring advanced tools and resources designed to drive measurable environmental and financial impact in laboratories worldwide. Updates to the program include third-party verification, streamlined engagement surveys, and an integrated Impact Estimator tool.

Recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign as a key measure for progress toward a zero-carbon future, and recommended by the U.S. EPA, My Green Lab Certification is the world’s most trusted green lab certification. The latest updates strengthen the program’s impact while enhancing its rigor, integrity, and scalability.

Key features of My Green Lab Certification include:

  • User-Friendly Software Tool – A seamless platform that simplifies project management and helps labs track their sustainability journey with ease.
  • Streamlined Engagement Surveys – Shorter, mobile-friendly surveys tailored towards laboratory personnel to boost participation and efficiency.
  • Organizational Dashboard – Centralized reporting that provides visibility at both laboratory and institutional levels, tracking sustainability progress toward goals.
  • Third-Party Verification – Independent validation by Impact Laboratories ensures alignment with international best practices, providing added credibility to the program.
  • Impact Data – The integrated Impact Estimator tool provides insights into resource savings and financial ROI, demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainability efforts.

AstraZeneca was the first organization to implement the enhanced program in October 2024, setting the stage for widespread adoption of My Green Lab Certification. With today’s official launch, My Green Lab Certification is now ready to deliver measurable environmental and financial outcomes across the scientific community.

Launched on January 30th during a virtual unveiling event, the enhanced program provides laboratories with a comprehensive, user-friendly framework that offers tangible benefits, including:

  • Measurable Reductions  Reduces energy, waste, water, and chemical use, leading to cost savings.
  • Streamlined Process  Simplified engagement surveys and certification process provides clear, practical steps to build a lasting culture of sustainability.
  • Institution-Wide Alignment – Recognizes laboratory-specific and organization-level achievements, enabling certifications on a larger scale.
  • Enhanced Program Integrity  Establishes credibility as a sustainability leader through robust third-party verification.

“The enhancements to our certification program reflect My Green Lab’s commitment to continuous improvement and our dedication to empowering labs to lead the charge in environmental sustainability,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “With My Green Lab Certification, we’re equipping labs with actionable insights within a user-friendly and powerful platform for driving meaningful change.”

Ready to make an impact?
​Learn more and start your certification process here.

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A Year of Progress: My Green Lab’s Key Achievements in 2024 https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/a-year-of-progress-my-green-labs-key-achievements-in-2024/ Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:08:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=38232

In 2024, My Green Lab® and the global green lab community achieved extraordinary milestones, further embedding sustainability into the fabric of scientific research. From the launch of third-party certification organization Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab® Certification 2.0 to record-breaking participation in the Freezer Challenge and the expansion of our Accelerator Partner Program, the past year showcased the growing momentum of our mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science.

As we look back on these milestones, the strength of our community continues to shine as the driving force behind the movement. From engaged scientists and lab professionals to visionary collaborators, sponsors, and partners, the shared commitment to sustainability in science is creating transformative change on a global scale.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and championed these efforts throughout the last year. Your dedication has shaped an impactful 2024 and set the stage for an even brighter future.

Below are the top ten highlights and milestones that defined My Green Lab’s journey in 2024.

1. Launch of Impact Laboratories

​In 2024, My Green Lab introduced Impact Laboratories, a subsidiary dedicated to providing independent, third-party verification for My Green Lab Certification. Third-party verification enhances the integrity and rigor of our certification process, aligning with international best practices and supporting the global expansion of sustainable lab practices.

Petri dish with Impact Laboratories logo in white

2. EPA Recommendation of My Green Lab Certification and ACT Ecolabel Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels to include My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program as the only approved standards for labs and lab products. This mark of distinction from EPA highlights our programs’ alignment with international sustainability goals and their role in promoting environmentally preferable best practices and purchasing within the scientific community.

ACT and My Green Lab Certification Logos

​3. Release of the 2024 Carbon Impact of Biotech and Pharma Report

​During COP 29 in November, we released the Carbon Impact of Biotech and Pharma report. This report highlights progress while calling for deeper systemic changes as the industry approaches a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey. It offers a comprehensive overview of the biotech and pharma industry’s carbon footprint and its alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement.

grassy cliff clear ocean carbon impact report

4. Launch of My Green Lab Certification 2.0 and Program Milestones

In late 2024, we unveiled My Green Lab Certification 2.0, featuring advanced tools and resources to support labs on their sustainability journey, with AstraZeneca becoming the first company to implement the enhanced program. Updates to the program include third-party verification, streamlined engagement surveys, and an integrated impact estimator.

My Green Lab Certification also hit new milestones in 2024, with over 3,750 labs involved in the program, engaging more than 41,000 scientists across 50 countries around the world.

black and white world map with trendline

5. Biogen Achieves 100% My Green Lab Certification

​In 2024, we were proud to highlight Biogen who became the first large biotech company to achieve 100% My Green Lab Certification for all its labs. This milestone helps set a new standard for sustainability in the industry and demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to environmental responsibility in the lab.

woman wearing hijab holding a plaque with my green lab certification platinum status

6. New Board Members: Dr. Fiona Adshead and Malcolm Bell

Last year, we welcomed Dr. Fiona Adshead, Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, and Malcolm Bell, Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, to the My Green Lab Board of Directors. Their extensive experience in sustainability and healthcare innovation strengthens our leadership and strategic direction.

fiona adshead and malcolm bell headshots

7. The Freezer Challenge’s Record-Breaking Year

The 2024 International Laboratory Freezer Challenge achieved record-breaking results, with participants saving 31.8 million kWh of energy by promoting sustainable cold storage best practices in their labs. This accomplishment equates to avoiding 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, marking a significant advancement in laboratory energy efficiency. The 2025 Freezer Challenge is currently underway, be sure to sign your lab up here.

Freezer Challenge chart data My Green Lab

8. Growth of the Accredited Professional (AP) Course

​Our AP course has grown to include 240 individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and credentials to lead sustainability initiatives within their laboratories. This program, the first credential of its kind, offers six online modules to help expand sustainability knowledge including waste, Green Chemistry, engagement, procurement, energy, and water. Check it out here.

my green lab ap program graphic

9. Launch of Accelerator Partner Program

We were proud to introduce the Accelerator Partner Program which recognizes and supports sustainability consulting services and organizations within the health sector that are trained to be experts in My Green Lab Certification. This initiative provides participating organizations with essential resources and recognition to advance sustainability efforts in laboratories.

my green lab accelerator partner logo

10. My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories Team’s Continued Growth

Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you the incredible team at My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories for their unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable science. None of the milestones highlighted above would have been possible without their dedication and passion for building a better future.

my green lab staff group photo

We are also thrilled to share that our team’s growth in 2024 included two very special additions! Congratulations to Vice President of Strategic Growth, Stephanie Millar, and Marketing Intern, Taeler Nickerson, and their families who both welcomed little ones into the world last year.

my green lab baby in zipease romper ]]>
5 Tips to Help You Select the Right ULT Freezer https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/5-tips-to-help-you-select-the-right-ult-freezer/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 17:41:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37546

Contributed by PHC Corporation of North America

Ultra-low temperature (ULT) preservation lab equipment plays a vital—although often overlooked—role in protecting valuable research and products. If this equipment fails, the consequences can be catastrophic, with years of research potentially destroyed and life-saving treatments lost.

To reduce the risk, it’s important to procure the right ULT freezers. And that means applying appropriate scrutiny when evaluating and selecting a new unit. But what does that look like in practice? What should you pay attention to in order to help maximize your chance of securing a fit-for-purpose ULT freezer that you can be confident in?

Here, we summarize our five top tips to help you select the right ULT freezer.

1. Be clear on capacity requirements and space

First, you will need to know exactly how much storage is needed and how much floor space is available within your lab to house ULT units. No matter how good your ULT freezer is, if it can’t fit in your lab or store all the necessary inventory, then it won’t be much help. A range of ULT units are available on the market to meet a variety of capacity and floor space requirements, from high-volume products ideal for bulk storage to slim upright or chest units that maximize capacity in a small footprint.

Additionally, keep in mind that many ULT freezers need a certain amount of clearance at the front and back of the unit to allow for adequate ventilation, which may catch some people off guard when planning how units fit into their lab space. Some ULT freezers, however, do not have any ventilation clearance requirements for the left and right sides of the equipment. Be sure to plan for ventilation requirements from the start.

My Green Lab and the I2SL organize a free annual competition called the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, which emphasizes sustainable lab cold storage management, including ULT freezers. The competition promotes efficient inventory management, offering tools like sample management templates. Applying these practices helps ensure you don’t over-purchase capacity, helping optimize both freezer selection and utilization.

2. Prioritize reliability

The impact of frequent ULT freezer breakdowns and repairs is hard to overstate—from a higher-than-anticipated total cost of ownership and increased risk of ruined samples and products, to severe operational disruption. It’s no surprise, then, that reliability should be top of mind in your ULT freezer search.

Many ULT freezers are designed with technologies to ensure smooth operation throughout their lifecycle, such as backup systems that maintain functionality during service events.

While checking features is important, to maximize the chance of selecting the most reliable equipment, we recommend looking for ULT freezers from equipment providers with a strong reputation and reliability. Consult colleagues or repair technicians for insights on frequently failing models, and browse forums for additional feedback (keeping in mind such sources may vary in reliability).

The ability of a ULT freezer to maintain a uniform temperature and recover quickly after door openings is essential for preserving sample quality. These performance metrics are important when selecting a ULT freezer.

Understanding and comparing temperature uniformity and recovery claims, however, isn’t always easy: testing practices and conditions can understandably vary on account of the lack of standardized industry guidance, claims may cover product families rather than individual units, and definitions can sometimes be unclear. For example, differences in ambient testing temperatures, chamber fullness, or the number of temperature probes used can affect results. It can lead to different temperature gradients between the unit interior and the exterior environment, and, consequently, different temperature deviations and recovery times, even when the door is open for the same duration.

That said, ENERGY STAR® testing results (if a company has them) can help provide an unbiased one-to-one comparison of temperature recovery results. To help with comparisons, ENERGY STAR® and ACT Ecolabels offer independently verified data on performance and energy efficiency. Reviewing these certifications can help provide clarity and confidence when evaluating freezers. You can review the ENERGY STAR testing results for ULT freezers in ENERGY STAR’s regularly updated spreadsheet of test results.

4. Pay attention to the potential lifetime cost of equipment

Budget restrictions can all too often influence purchasing decisions for equipment such as ULT freezers. But while choosing a lower-cost (and potentially lower-quality) ULT might help reduce capital expenditure and help purchasing teams meet spending goals on paper, it could, in fact, lead to a much higher cost overall.

For example, evaluate additional charges for maintenance and warranty coverage for parts and labor. Perhaps most importantly, though, you should consider the potential impact of more frequent breakdowns on your lab—including the time researchers have to take away from research to transfer samples to a working unit. Frequent breakdowns can necessitate early replacement, significantly increasing expenditure.

In many cases, investing in higher-quality ULT freezers with a balance of reliability and affordability is more cost-effective over time. To help minimize lifetime costs, the Freezer Challenge encourages implementing proper freezer maintenance protocols, such as defrosting and temperature monitoring, to extend the operational life of the equipment and prevent unexpected expenses.

5. Scrutinize sustainability credentials

Reducing the environmental impact of research is becoming an increasing priority for many labs. But it’s not just the planet that benefits from greener ULT freezer technology and design—laboratories do too.

Unsustainable ULT units can negatively impact your lab in ways that aren’t always obvious. For example, ULT units that consume more electricity to maintain the same level of performance likely expel relatively more heat into the lab space, which can put more stress on HVAC systems, as well as increase the temperature recovery time of the ULT unit (owing to a larger difference between the ULT chamber temperature and the ambient temperature). The elevated strain on both the HVAC system and the ULT unit may even lead to premature failure, which can be costly and disruptive.

Before making a purchasing decision, thoroughly review a freezer’s sustainability and energy efficiency claims. Independent certifications like ENERGY STAR® provide trusted performance and energy consumption data, helping you compare products. ACT Ecolabeled products also offer additional environmental impact insights. Together, these tools ensure you select a freezer that balances performance, efficiency, and sustainability, supporting your lab’s operational and environmental goals.

Making the right decision when it comes to ULT freezers

Selecting the right ULT freezer is crucial for preserving valuable samples and minimizing risks. To maximize the chance of making the right decision for your lab, be sure to consider your capacity requirements and available floor space. Also keep in mind the unit’s reliability, temperature recovery, and uniformity performance, the potential lifetime cost of the purchase, and the unit’s energy efficiency.

By thoroughly assessing these factors, you can select a dependable unit that supports your lab’s operations while mitigating potential disruptions. Resources like the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge, which provides tools for inventory management and energy efficiency insights, can further support your decision-making process.

A note from our sponsor and the author of this article:

To help labs make informed decisions about ULT freezers, PHCbi offers a range of advanced options designed for reliability and performance. The TwinGuard® Series features dual refrigeration systems that work independently to maintain ultra-low temperatures, ensuring sample integrity even during service events.

Additionally, PHCbi ULT freezers, including the VIP® ECO freezers, use innovative heat exchanger technology to provide uniformity and stability, even in high ambient temperatures. Unlike many ULT models, all PHCbi brand ULT freezers do not require ventilation clearance on the sides, allowing for more flexible placement in the lab.

PHCbi also emphasizes sustainability, with ENERGY STAR®-certified freezers that combine efficiency with performance.

Learn more about PHCbi’s ENERGY STAR® Certified Preservation Products or register for a lunch-and-learn session to explore how these freezers can meet your specific needs.

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Biogen Achieves 100% My Green Lab Certification: A Sustainability Milestone https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/biogen-achieves-100-my-green-lab-certification-a-sustainability-milestone/ Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:51:38 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37272

In 2023, Biogen became the first large biotech company to achieve 100% My Green Lab Certification across all its laboratories, setting a new standard for sustainability in the biotech industry. By improving efficiency and reducing waste, water, and energy consumption, Biogen has been decreasing its environmental impact and advancing its commitment to sustainability.

Biogen’s sustainability efforts reflect the company’s aspiration to foster a healthier, more sustainable future for all. “Employees recognize the link between human and environmental health,” emphasized Biogen’s President and CEO Chris Viehbacher. Biogen’s collective commitment to sustainability and focused effort enabled them to achieve certification for every lab through the My Green Lab program two years before its target.

“Biogen has embraced sustainability as a core element of our operational priorities,” said Katie Woodward, Interim Head of Sustainability. “Given rapidly evolving stakeholder expectations, we regularly monitor and act on a range of sustainability concerns. We believe this can help improve efficiency and address the interests of customers, employees, regulators and other stakeholders. Our commitment to the My Green Lab program is part of our broader ambition.”

The certification effort began with a focused pilot program involving a small group of labs across the Research and Development (R&D) and Product and Technology Development (PTD) functions. The early success of this initiative laid the foundation for broader adoption. “Biogen laboratory teams showed enthusiasm in the My Green Lab Certification pilot. Based on my colleagues’ interest and desire to make our labs more sustainable, we brought the program to leadership to ensure we had global commitment,” said Tooba Gilani, Senior Associate II, EHS (Site Environmental Compliance Lead), who spearheaded Biogen’s My Green Lab work. “Along with driving energy efficiency in our labs, this work has led to other environmental projects and motivating many of my colleagues,” Gilani said.

To achieve full implementation, Biogen established a Core Committee to guide the process. This committee, along with Lab Ambassadors who volunteered to lead the implementation of the program in their individual labs, played a crucial role at key steps in the certification process.

A scientist wearing safety goggles and a lab coat labeled "Biogen" in a lab

Implementing Sustainable Practices

The My Green Lab Certification process begins with a Baseline Assessment Survey, where lab members complete a self-assessment on 14 topics that include recycling and waste reduction, resource management, green chemistry and green biologics and infrastructure energy, allowing My Green Lab to identify current best practices and to recommend additional sustainability actions. Labs then implement these recommendations over several months before retaking the survey to measure their progress. Based on the progress, labs receive an overall score and a certification level, along with new recommendations for ongoing improvement.

For Biogen, the valuable insights gained from this program have facilitated the development of sustainable solutions targeting energy and water usage, waste management, over-purchasing, and beyond.

Enhancing Education

To support educational efforts around Biogen’s sustainability practices, the Core Committee created detailed site-specific documents. “To ensure education across laboratories on Biogen’s practices, we created an internal document for each site with common Sustainability FAQs that were found in the certificate assessment, and guided laboratories to review this document prior to certification,” said Gilani.

Lab Ambassador Irene Jenkins, Engineer II, underscored the crucial role of education throughout the process. “I think education was most important to our sustainability efforts,” she said. “Our baseline results were heavily affected by the number of ‘I don’t know’ responses, and just by becoming informed and agreeing on sustainability goals for the lab, we significantly improved our score.”

Energy Savings

“A few actions come to mind which improved our certification score compared to our baseline. One action was to audit our lab instruments to identify and label equipment that could be set to stand-by mode or unplugged to reduce the energy demand of idle equipment,” noted Jenkins. “Additionally, our freezers were placed on a scheduled defrost rotation to optimize efficiency.”

Waste Reduction

Understanding proper waste reduction strategies has helped Biogen find ways to reduce, recycle, and reuse. Laboratory changes include switching from single-use plastics to reusable glassware, recycling Styrofoam and soft plastics, and reusing biotainers for Stack Smashing Protector (SSP) buffers.

“Another action was to research vendor recycling programs and improve signage on appropriate recycling practices,” said Jenkins.

Improved Purchasing

Biogen’s team learned practical lessons throughout the certification process that will help drive future decisions, including more widespread understanding of how to read ACT Eco Labels and how to use Energy Star to inform purchasing decisions. “This will help us buy materials with a smaller environmental footprint and equipment that uses energy more efficiently,” said Jenkins. “Additionally, one focus group was tasked with researching then presenting resources available to guide informed purchasing decisions.”

As a result, one Biogen lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, began using Biotix pipette tips, which contain 30% less plastic than other products, and adopted Polycarbin as a solution for the closed-loop recycling of single-use scientific plastics such as pipette tip boxes. This resulted in the recycling of approximately 411 kilograms of plastic in just seven months. The team is now helping to share this information with colleagues in other labs to encourage its widespread adoption.

Two scientists wearing full-body suits, hair nets, gloves, and goggles work together at a laptop on a mobile workstation in a sterile lab

Navigating Challenges

The journey toward certification was not without its challenges. One of Biogen’s key obstacles was the differing and complicated nature of its labs. Each lab has unique functions and processes, and some have strict operational standards that are difficult to modify for sustainability purposes. “In those labs, we focused on what we could change toward sustainability rather than what we couldn’t,” noted Gilani. Through education, communication, and the implementation of best practices learned through the My Green Lab Certification program, sustainability became a priority every lab could work towards—while maintaining strict standards for safety and quality, among other considerations.

For Jenkins, awareness was the key to changing lab practices. “Our largest challenge was a lack of awareness, which could lead to default behavior,” she explained. “For example, regular freezer defrosts and coil cleaning was not a consistent proactive maintenance activity for us; instead, it was a reactive strategy when a freezer would fail. By becoming aware of a more effective cadence for freezer defrosts and maintenance to ensure optimal freezer efficiency, we are now proactively preventing failure events.”

Through monthly check-in meetings and feedback loops between lab leaders, Jenkins and her team ensured that all members remained informed and active. “By sharing the responsibility to make change, everyone stayed engaged in the initiative,” said Jenkins.

Cultural Shift Towards Sustainability

Biogen’s certification journey resulted in significant advancements in sustainable lab operations, directly contributing to the organization’s corporate climate goals and demonstrating that change is achievable. “The parameter I am most proud of is 100% engagement from my lab in this initiative,” said Jenkins. “Every member of the lab ended this project more informed and having helped build our target sustainability practices.”

Marielle Thorne, Manager, R&D Lab Operations, highlights how the certification process unveiled new sustainability opportunities. “Early expectations were that we might look at recycling waste or maybe purchasing greener products. As we progressed, we discovered many areas we had not thought about as being part of our sustainability goals,” Thorne said. “Now 100% of the lab’s freezers are at -70,” she continued.

The My Green Lab Certification process not only led to substantial improvements but also catalyzed a cultural shift. Jenkins recalls the achievement lab members felt upon receiving their certification plaques: “You could feel a sense of pride in the effort and changes that took place to reduce our footprint on the planet,” she said.

The program not only resulted in immediate environmental benefits but cultivated a lasting cultural commitment to sustainability. As Thorne observed, “We have learned that there is a strong desire within the scientific community to drive sustainable change. They are engaged, willing to make the change, and explore new solutions for sustainability.”

Furthermore, Gilani highlighted the program’s significance: “My Green Lab Certification has been at Biogen for four years now and 100% of labs have completed the certification program. This dedication has showcased that Biogen is committed to sustainability at the lab level, and employees have clear spaces to talk about goals and projects related to sustainability through the culture that has been built over the years,” she concluded.

The success of Biogen’s My Green Lab Certification initiative has established a significant benchmark within the biotech industry. Not only are 100% of Biogen’s labs certified, as of publish date, 56.7% of the company’s labs achieved Green status, the highest certification level possible.

“Biogen’s pivotal milestone demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can drive transformative change in laboratory sustainability,” said Scott Grant, Vice President of Certifications, My Green Lab. “This achievement reflects Biogen’s leadership and commitment to integrating sustainable practices across their operations and serves as a powerful example for the entire industry.”

Scientist wearing white lab coat with a Biogen name tag, safety glasses, and gloves holding a green clipboard

Inspired to start your lab’s sustainability journey?

Learn more
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The Ideal Sustainability Advocate https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/the-ideal-sustainability-advocate/ Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:13:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=38192

Written by Emma Wightman, MSc – Content Specialist & Technical Writer, Triumvirate Environmental

In today’s fast-paced world, it may feel like you don’t have a voice when it comes to sustainability initiatives, whether you’re a manager uncertain about executive buy-in, or a lab assistant unsure how to raise your concerns and ideas to those higher up.

We’re here to tell you that regardless of who you are—your title, rank, or tenure—you are the ideal candidate to be passionate about and make meaningful changes for operational sustainability. Not only that, but sustainability advocacy is a key leadership opportunity. Those who take on this role will be the ones leading the charge, proving daily their commitment to bettering operations and the environment alike.

Everyone across an organization has the power to be a sustainability leader and make a tangible operational and environmental difference—it takes just one or a few people to step forward in order to make widespread and important environmental improvements. We will break this down by rank and tenure below.

Sustainability Champions in Various Roles

Novice/Lab Staff: In your first few years or months at a new position, you may not feel like you can speak up about making widespread changes. Often, people just beginning their careers don’t feel they can mess with “the way things have always been done.” This is a myth, however—newer staff come to positions with heaps of varied real-world experiences, making them the perfect candidates to help innovate.

Lab staff are the boots-on-the-ground workforce that gets things done—and see what works and what doesn’t on a daily basis. They are the teams that will actually have to implement any proposed changes, and thus should be respected for their willingness to change the game. These team members can, among others:

Additionally, for those who want to become lab sustainability experts, the My Green Lab Accredited Professional program offers six modules on Waste, Procurement, Water, Energy, Green Chemistry, and Engagement.

As a newer team member, don’t hesitate to bring data-backed ideas to meetings and open up new conversations.

Mid-tenure/Frontline Managers: Often, mid-tenure employees can become immersed in the routine demands of daily work life. Be it processes they’ve been doing repeatedly for years or challenges to funding and protocols, it can feel like meaningful change hasn’t happened—so it never will. Folks in this position tend to be powerhouses of collaboration, however; they have seen what has worked and what hasn’t worked for years, but still have the spark and passion for the job they did when they were new.
Frontline and operations managers condense broad executive orders into actionable steps for their teams. Without this vital switchboard, some executive orders would fall flat—or lab staff initiatives might never reach executive ears. These team members are ideal for helping brainstorm new sustainability initiatives, as well as thinking about how logistically they would fit into operations. Mid-tenure employees can also, among others:

  • Allocate resources and budgets
  • Manage sustainability program implementation
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Analyze metrics and collected data
  • Evaluate the practicality of best practices so as not to sacrifice research integrity

These team members can use green procurement guidelines, sustainability partners, and tracking/reporting/resource-sharing platforms to accomplish their goals.

As an organization, empower these employees to digest their teams’ struggles and turn them into an actionable plan. As a manager, don’t hesitate to speak up when you have an idea that will make everyone’s lives easier, based on your observations.

Late-term/Executive Team: People who have been around for years have seen it all—successes, failures, and everything in between. People at this stage can be a great sounding board for which sustainability initiatives can be filtered through, making decisions and creating actionable plans to distill to the whole organization.

If this describes you, don’t be afraid to wield your decision-making power over the organization—and leverage your experience with communication and plan implementation to ensure it works for all involved. On top of this, these team members can, among others:

  • Help establish and approve KPIs
  • Allocate large-scale budgets
  • Communicate expected or ongoing changes, company-wide
  • Brainstorm and research sustainability solutions
  • Make decisions using collected data

Executives and late-term employees can use carbon calculators, green procurement guidelines, and internally collected sustainability program data to reach their goals.

As an organization, be flexible and prepared to pivot as these ideas change and grow.

Collaboration Is Key

The key to all of this is collaboration—it will take people of all tenures and roles to succeed in implementing sustainability initiatives. Sustainability isn’t the responsibility of just one person or department—it’s a collective effort that requires the engagement of every role across an organization. From the enthusiasm of new lab staff to the strategic oversight of executives, everyone has the power to drive meaningful environmental change. By fostering a culture of open communication, innovation, and collaboration, organizations can create a thriving environment where sustainable practices are not just encouraged but actively implemented and celebrated.

No matter your position, tenure, or experience, your voice and actions are valuable. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for laboratories, one initiative at a time. When we unite our expertise, insights, and passion, we not only make our labs greener but also contribute to a larger movement toward global sustainability. So, take the first step—no matter how small—and become a champion for sustainability in your lab today.

To get started with lab sustainability, visit Triumvirate Environmental’s Lab Sustainability page to see how this dedicated partner can help you reach your full potential—no matter who you are.
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Groundbreaking Results: 2024 Freezer Challenge Reduces Energy Use by 31.8 Million kWh https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/groundbreaking-results-2024-freezer-challenge-reduces-energy-use-by-31-8-million-kwh/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 18:37:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37811

The 2024 International Laboratory Freezer Challenge program has set a new benchmark in sustainability, with a record-breaking 31.8 million kWh of energy savings through the combined efforts of program participants! This translates to 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent avoided—an over 50% increase from last year’s challenge!

My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) are proud to announce that in addition to these groundbreaking results, the 2024 challenge saw unprecedented participation from 3,026 labs in 35 countries. The collective efforts of participating labs translate to the energy savings equivalent of 5,296 gas-powered cars driven for one year.

The Freezer Challenge is a free competition designed to promote energy efficiency through best practices in lab cold storage management. Since its inception in 2017, the program has saved a total of 76.5 million kWh, making it a key driver of sustainable laboratory practices. This year’s remarkable growth signals a strong and accelerating commitment within the scientific community to embrace energy efficiency and sustainability, showcasing the transformative power of small, actionable changes.

“The outstanding results of the 2024 Freezer Challenge are a testament to the relentless commitment of scientists and lab professionals around the globe,” says James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “The significant rise in energy savings not only highlights the growing adoption of sustainable practices but also reinforces that collective action in labs can drive substantial environmental benefits.”

 

2024 Freezer Challenge Winners

This remarkable success is owed to the hard work and dedication of scientists and lab professionals from 239 participating organizations in this year’s Freezer Challenge. With more than 35,000 cold storage units involved, significant efforts were made to implement practices that enhance energy efficiency, ensure sample accessibility, and maintain sample integrity.

While every participating lab has made valuable contributions to energy reduction, we are excited to spotlight those who excelled in the 2024 Freezer Challenge. Winners were determined based on a combination of points accumulated from sustainable practices and the overall energy savings achieved by each lab. They will be recognized at the I2SL Annual Conference on September 29th – October 2nd in St. Louis, Missouri , and featured in an upcoming Lab Manager magazine article.

Additionally, we are thrilled to host a virtual awards ceremony to honor these exceptional labs, with open invitations extended to anyone who wishes to join in the celebration. 

graph showing freezer challenge participation

List of Our 2024 Winners

Note: Winning Streak Awards are given to previous year’s winners who exceeded their energy savings from last year. 

 

Biotech/Pharmaceutical Sector Winners

  • Top Organization Award: Amgen – 7,671 kWh/day saved
  • Winning Streak Award: AstraZeneca – 7,962 kWh/day saved
  • Large Lab Award​: Boston Research – Biology, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (United States) – 438 kWh/day saved
  • Medium Lab Award: Sample Management Harrogate, Labcorp (United Kingdom) – 281 kWh/day saved
  • Small Lab Award: Gothenburg Regional HBS Centre, AstraZeneca (Sweden) – 165 kWh/day saved
  • Biorepository Award: Specimen Library, Bristol Myers Squibb (United States) – 307.15 kWh/day saved
  • Biorepository Winning Streak Award: Labcorp Biorepository, Labcorp Central Laboratory Services (United States) – 3,869 kWh/day saved

Academic Sector Winners

  • Top Organization Award: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (United States) – 1,339 kWh/day saved
  • Lab Winning Streak Award: Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee GI Oncology Lab School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University (United States) – 154 kWh/day saved
  • Large Lab Award​: Lab + in the School of Life Sciences, Coventry University (United Kingdom) – 59 kWh/day saved
  • Medium Lab Award: Histocompatibility Laboratory, University of Michigan (United States) –80 kWh/day saved
  • Small Lab Award: Yau Lab, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (United States) – 114 kWh/day saved
  • Biorepository Award: Cell Culture Facility (ICV-3C), The Paris Brain Institute (France) – 73 kWh/day saved

 

Hospital/Clinical/Other Winners

  • Top Organization Award: Boston Children’s Hospital (United States) – 843 kWh/day saved
  • Large Lab Award​: Laboratory Medicine Group, University Hospital Padova (Italy) – 131 kWh/day saved
  • Medium Lab Award: Genetica Medica, Synlab Italia (Italy) – 51 kWh/day saved
  • Small Lab Award: Scientific Research and Innovation Services Laboratory, Synnovis (United Kingdom) – 79 kWh/day saved
  • Biorepository Award: IQVIA Biorepository, Q2 Solutions (United States) – 845 kWh/day saved

 

Government Sector Winners

  • Top Organization Award:​ Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama) – 159 kWh/day saved
  • Winning Streak Award: National Institutes of Health (United States) – 3,074 kWh/day saved
  • Large Lab Award​: Drug Safety Testing Center, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (Hong Kong) – 41 kWh/day saved
  • Medium Lab Award: Central Laboratory, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (United States) – 44 kWh/day saved 
  • Small Lab Award: Trink und Abwasserlabor, Hamburg Water (Germany) – 25 kWh/day saved
  • Biorepository Award: Center for Cancer Research, Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (United States) – 442 kWh/day saved

 

Honorable Mentions

Organizations (all sectors):

  • University of Michigan
  • Leiden University Medical Center
  • SYNLAB Group
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
  • The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Sanofi
  • Labcorp
  • Evotec

  Labs (all sectors, all lab sizes):

  •  Johnson & Johnson, Oncology Spring House
  • Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hepa-Gastro
  • Evotec, Hamburg, Sample Management Lab
  • IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances) Madison Process R&D Lab
  • Labcorp, Mechelen Biorepository
  • Precision for Medicine, NHLBI
  • University of British Columbia, UBC BioBank
  • AstraZeneca South San Francisco (SSF) Biobank

Register for the Freezer Challenge Virtual Awards Ceremony

Awards

The awards recording are now available on demand for free!

Register to Access the Recording
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Bridging Education and Action for Greener Labs: The Accredited Professional Program https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/bridging-education-and-action-for-greener-labs-the-accredited-professional-program/ Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:45:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37503

In the ever-evolving landscape of scientific research, balancing groundbreaking discoveries with sustainable practices is critical, as labs are resource-intensive spaces with significant environmental impacts. Envision a world where every laboratory operates at peak efficiency, not just in its research but in its commitment to sustainability. Achieving this vision begins with one crucial element: education.

In the realm of lab sustainability, knowledge isn’t just power – it’s the engine that drives meaningful change. Educating professionals within the scientific sector about sustainability is essential because it empowers them to make informed decisions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower carbon footprints.

As the first program of its kind, the My Green Lab Accredited Professional (AP) Program offers the knowledge and know-how to bring sustainability best practices to life in the lab.

Comprehensive Lab Sustainability Education

“Knowing that inefficient laboratories can consume ten times more energy, produce significantly more single-use waste, and use four times more water than commercial buildings, it was obvious where to focus… but how?” asked Accredited Professional (AP) Tolga Berk, Senior Consultant at Waldner. “The AP program provided the perfect answer, offering a well-structured framework, clear guidance on what can be done, and content of available programs to support scientists on their journey to a sustainable future.”

The My Green Lab AP Program is a comprehensive course designed to deepen your understanding of various sustainable lab topics. The program covers six critical areas of lab sustainability, each explored in-depth through dedicated modules including WasteWaterEnergyProcurementEngagement, and Green Chemistry. Through an interactive virtual format, participants gain access to expert content developed by leading professionals in the field, emphasizing practical tools and takeaways.

Designed for scientists and people who support or work with laboratories, there are no prerequisites for becoming a My Green Lab AP. With nearly 150 My Green Lab APs (as of July 2024), the program fosters a global network of sustainability leaders dedicated to transforming laboratory operations and promoting a greener future.

From Waste Management to Financial Savings: Insights from My Green Lab Accredited Professionals

Implementing the knowledge learned from the My Green Lab AP program has led to cost savings, efficiency improvements, and more. Since implementing sustainable practices, “The biggest area of improvement has been managing our various waste streams, be it either reducing, reusing, or recycling,” shares Chris Underwood, Laboratory Technical Manager at Affinity Water. “Nitrile gloves, plastic bottles, pipette tips and boxes, food waste, and glass have all been looked at and substantial improvements made,” he continues.

The program has also helped drive substantial financial savings through enhanced energy efficiency. Tolga Berk highlighted the benefits of optimizing HVAC systems and reducing energy consumption, noting, “By working with labs aiming for My Green Lab certification or energy efficiency, we achieved up to 40% HVAC optimization and a 30% reduction in energy usage from infrastructure and plug loads. By converting lighting systems from fluorescent to LED, we saved approximately 75,000 EUR per building annually.”

Building a culture of sustainability within the lab is crucial for maintaining long term progress, as emphasized throughout the program. Triumvirate Environmental’s EHS Consultant Kiersten Dinda highlighted the importance of fostering enthusiasm and creating a dedicated team: “Once you initiate engagement and involve individuals onsite, it enhances the work environment as others become motivated. By demonstrating the potential changes and long-term benefits to those individuals, their enthusiasm grows. While introducing changes can initially be challenging, establishing a core group of sustainability advocates onsite can possibly expedite the process of implementing change and keeping that motivation alive.”

The Professional and Community Impact of the My Green Lab AP Program

The My Green Lab AP Program has had a profound impact on the professional development and community outreach efforts of many APs. Andy Cooley, Global Sustainability Lead at PerkinElmer, notes “Obtaining this accreditation is important for establishing myself as a credible sustainability professional. This external recognition enhances my professional profile and enables me to contribute effectively to the sustainable laboratory community.”

Chris Underwood elaborates, “More and more people want to work for a company that has sustainability credentials. I recently interviewed someone for a role that was attracted to the position because of the green credentials gained through the accredited professional and certification programs.”

Additionally, the program has proven valuable for educational and outreach activities. Mary Sekiya, Chief Technical Officer and Laboratory Manager at University College Dublin, shared, “The accreditation has provided a wealth of information that I can draw on for presentations and outreach events. I was able to use information on energy consumption of low-temperature freezers in an interactive sustainability quiz I presented at a recent graduate student symposium.”

Through education, practical guidance, and a focus on impactful action, the program continues to drive meaningful change in the lab environment.

A Program for All Professionals

Completing the My Green Lab AP Program not only equips you with a robust understanding of lab sustainability but also offers industry recognition that can be invaluable for career advancement. It demonstrates expertise and commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing professional credibility and positioning APs as leaders in the field of lab sustainability.

The AP program’s comprehensive approach to sustainability benefits a wide range of professionals, as emphasized by Tolga Berk: “After completing the program, I can easily say that the accreditation is not just designed for laboratories and their scientists. It is a comprehensive program that offers valuable insights for a wide range of professionals, including procurement managers, health and safety experts, facility managers, project managers, and even service providers like me.”

Start your sustainability journey today

Sign up for the My Green Lab AP Program

Accredited Professionals
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Navigating Lab Sustainability: How Environmental Partners Drive Change https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/navigating-lab-sustainability-how-environmental-partners-drive-change/ Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:50:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=38124

Co-written by My Green Lab and Triumvirate Environmental 

At My Green Lab, we understand the unique challenges laboratories face in their journey towards sustainability. One of our goals is to bridge the gap between ambitious sustainability goals and practical, achievable steps that labs can take. We offer a variety of programs designed to make labs greener, such as the My Green Lab Certification programACT Eco-Label for sustainable product evaluation, and the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge. These initiatives not only help labs reduce their environmental footprint, but also enhance efficiency and promote a culture of sustainability within the scientific community.

However, sustainability in laboratories isn’t just about reducing waste or energy consumption; it’s about creating a holistic approach that integrates environmental responsibility into every aspect of laboratory operations. This includes everything from procurement of sustainable products, efficient energy use, waste minimization, and promoting a culture of sustainability among staff. By adopting comprehensive sustainability practices, labs can significantly reduce their environmental impact while often realizing cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Environmental partners can be key to achieving these goals. They bring specialized knowledge and practical solutions that can help labs implement and maintain effective sustainability practices. A competent and capable partner can provide critical support in navigating EHS regulations, optimizing resources, and ensuring efficiency in ongoing progress. In addition, partnerships foster innovation and creativity, enabling labs to tackle sustainability challenges with confidence—all while achieving meaningful results.

Why You May Need an Environmental Partner

Navigating the complex landscape of environmental regulations and sustainability best practices can be challenging. An environmental partner can provide the expert guidance to help ensure your lab stays compliant with the latest sustainability standards—as well as optimize resource use, meaning cost savings and reduced environmental impact. By offering specialized services such as waste management, environmental leadership, and consulting for such topics as energy efficiency solutions or best practice implementation, environmental partners can address the sustainability challenges unique to your laboratory and help you move forward in a knowledgeable and effective way.

Moreover, a trusted environmental partner will support sustainability initiative implementation, ensuring a smooth transition into new procedures and practical outcomes of these changes. Continuous improvement is another benefit of partnering for sustainability services; an environmental partner can help track progress and measure impact, spurring sustainability practice evolution and success over time.

Almost every facility requires some form of support in implementing sustainability initiatives—rarely can an organization operate completely independently in this venture. Be it with green waste disposal, environmental consulting, or sustainable committee leadership, there are almost always some major tasks that warrant sustainability services from a competent and experienced partner. Some signs that your organization may need help from an environmental partner are:

  • Project teams are overloaded and busy
  • The organization lacks a clear sustainability leader
  • A sustainability leader is identified, but they can’t maintain internal sustainability support
  • Sustainability metrics reporting is required
  • There is an internal desire to analyze sustainability metrics
  • Lofty corporate or operational sustainability goals require attention
  • There is a desire to track and reduce energy use, waste consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—as well as associated costs
  • Internal processes are not aligning with the broader organizational environmental position
  • Utility costs need to be lowered
  • Green sourcing and supply chain is desired
  • There is interest in obtaining a sustainability certification such as My Green Lab Certification, whether by individual teams or as an organization overall

If one or more of these apply to you, it might be time to consider working with an experienced and dedicated environmental partner who can guide and support your sustainability journey.

EHS Partnering for Lab Sustainability

At My Green Lab, we provide the framework and tools necessary to help labs achieve their sustainability goals. Our My Green Lab Certification program sets the standard for best practices in lab sustainability, covering areas such as energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable purchasing. Labs that achieve this certification demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and leadership in the scientific community.

While our programs provide the framework and recognition for sustainable practices, an environmental partner can offer the on-the-ground support necessary for implementing these practices. EHS vendors like My Green Lab’s Accelerator Partner Triumvirate Environmental can support your lab’s journey towards sustainability. With a deep-set commitment to sustainability and an expansive set of service offerings, including sustainable waste management, from upstream waste management to downstream recycling and other green disposal, Triumvirate Environmental has the know-how—and the onsite support—to help you succeed.

Whether you seek guidance on best practices, insights into broader organizational initiatives, leadership for your sustainability committee to drive innovation and success, or physical waste and onsite services, Triumvirate Environmental, with over 65 My Green Lab Ambassadors and more than 10 My Green Lab Accredited Professionals on their team, can serve as the catalyst to empower labs toward sustainable excellence.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

Regardless of what you need, a partnership with an experienced environmental services provider can help you fully achieve your sustainability goals. With a suite of trained consultants, national reach, and backed by a team of qualified and dedicated onsite support staff, Triumvirate Environmental is well-equipped to support your lab’s journey towards sustainability. As our Accelerator Partner, Triumvirate Environmental has everything you need to succeed in your My Green Lab Certification journey.
Our collaboration with Triumvirate Environmental underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustainability. By leveraging the strengths of both My Green Lab and an environmental partner, labs can achieve their sustainability goals more effectively and efficiently. Together, we can make a significant impact on the environmental footprint of the scientific community.

To learn more, you can visit Triumvirate Environmental’s Lab Sustainability Services page.

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Five Strategies to Empower Laboratories for a Greener Tomorrow https://mygreenlab.org/the-beaker-blog/five-strategies-to-empower-laboratories-for-a-greener-tomorrow/ Fri, 19 Apr 2024 17:44:00 +0000 https://mygreenlab.org/?p=37776

The celebration of Earth Day serves as a reminder for us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and the impact of our actions. Every facet of our lives intertwines with the environment, both personally and professionally. In the laboratory, where innovation and scientific advancement take center stage, our impact may often go unnoticed.

This Earth Day, let’s collectively examine how our actions within the laboratory extend beyond its walls and commit to meaningful steps towards positive change. By building a culture of sustainability, and embracing the idea that our actions can, and should, change, we pave the way for a greener, healthier future. 

To capture the spirit of Earth Day, we’ve shared five actionable approaches aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability within laboratory settings.

 

1. The My Green Lab Theory of Change

At My Green Lab, our goal is to empower individuals to contribute to a culture of change in their organization. In order to engage and inspire colleagues and those in your community to make sustainable change, it can be helpful to situate behavior within a “Theory of Change” framework. 

Graph showing engagement and impact

The Theory of Change begins with awareness. First, we must become aware that there is a problem and understand that we can behave differently. This awareness drives action – breaking old habits to make way for new behaviors. Through actionable pathways to learning and implementing sustainability best practices, you build the confidence to continue going further in making a difference. This confidence will allow you to take leadership of initiatives, inspiring others around you to follow in your footsteps.  As more people begin to adopt new behaviors, these practices become the norm, creating a positive and lasting culture of sustainability. As this culture grows, sustainability practices become institutionalized through policies, procedures, and organization level goals. And a collection of organizations with sustainable lab cultures creates a global community of passionate and active sustainability champions that fundamentally shift the way science is conducted.

The strength of this approach lies in its accessibility; even if you don’t currently have institutional support for your sustainability ideas and initiatives, you can start anyway, with individual awareness, collective action, and leadership. Build the momentum that will result in cultural change in your lab and in the global community. By fostering momentum, you can drive cultural shifts within your laboratory and contribute to broader global change.

2. The Power of Community

Community plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable action. Through shared experiences and collective efforts, individuals in and around the lab learn, grow, and hold each other accountable.

Embrace the power of community by spreading awareness and sharing the knowledge you’ve learned with those around you. “Our hearts and minds can be more easily moved by those closest to us,” says My Green Lab’s Senior Programs Manager Christina Greever-Wilson. “This is why we shouldn’t be shy about sharing our own lab sustainability goals – and successes – with others in our network. For someone who is on the fence about sustainability, hearing from a friend or colleague in their own community about the ease of making sustainable actions can make a huge difference.”

3. Leadership and Communication

Clear communication and regular engagement with stakeholders are crucial for embedding sustainability into the culture of your lab or organization. When thinking about and planning your lab’s sustainability journey, provide ample opportunity for input and feedback, especially from scientific teams, who often have valuable insights into resource consumption and can test new sustainable protocols and processes. By actively listening to stakeholder ideas, the entire community becomes invested in the sustainability process.

Beyond adopting sustainable practices, leaders must actively engage stakeholders and foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to positive change. Regular communication channels, such as meetings, newsletters, or digital platforms, provide opportunities to celebrate successes, address challenges, and keep sustainability goals at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

 Ultimately, by prioritizing transparent communication and inclusive leadership, laboratories can foster a culture where sustainability is embraced as a core value and integrated into everyday practices.

4. Small Yet Impactful Sustainability Practices Matter

Seemingly small changes in laboratory operations can have a significant impact on sustainability. Take, for instance, the simple act of sharing printers among colleagues or setting up printers to default to double-sided, black-and-white mode. This not only reduces paper waste but also contributes to a cleaner laboratory environment by minimizing clutter.

 Does checking for leaky faucets sound too simple? It shouldn’t! Leaky faucets that drip once per second can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year. According to the US EPA, that’s enough water for more than 180 showers!

 Minor adjustments not only contribute to environmental conservation but also foster a culture of sustainability within the laboratory community, where every individual action counts towards a greener future. By emphasizing the importance of individual actions and illustrating the tangible benefits of sustainability practices, leaders can inspire a collective commitment to minimizing environmental footprints. Moreover, by highlighting the cumulative effect of these efforts, laboratories can underscore the significance of every contribution, no matter how modest, in advancing the goal of a greener future.

 5. Planet vs. Plastics

This year’s Earth Day theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with calling for a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Without a doubt, plastic remains one of the most commonly discarded materials in laboratories. Plastic is everywhere in the lab, from tube racks and pipette tips to conical vials and filtration flasks, with the list constantly expanding as research and industries discover new applications for plastic. And while some of this plastic is necessary, there are ways to reduce and reuse, as well as considerations for a plastic to have a different end of life.

Our team has put together a variety of resources to help you kickstart your waste reduction journey. Read our blog post on How to Reduce Waste in the Laboratory, or guest contributions like Sustainable Pipetting: Tips for Reducing Plastic Usage in the Lab and How To Kickstart Your Waste Reduction Journey.

Additionally, those interested in a deeper dive into lab waste can sign up for My Green Lab’s Accredited Professional (AP) Program Module on Waste.

Continuous Improvement

While Earth Month is a significant time to reflect on how our actions impact the earth, it’s important to recognize that your journey doesn’t end here. The path towards a truly sustainable future requires a commitment to continuous improvement. By remaining vigilant, receptive to new ideas, and dedicated to refining your practices, we can build upon our successes and drive even greater positive change.

Embrace the challenge of constant evolution, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to a more sustainable tomorrow. Together, let’s continue to communicate, educate, and inspire, ensuring that our laboratories not only lead the way in scientific discovery but also serve as beacons of environmental stewardship for generations to come.

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