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:
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• 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.”

Laying the foundation: KNAUER’s sustainability goals

KNAUER’s journey toward achieving ACT certification began with a strong foundation in sustainability practices. “We are proud to be part of the UN Global Compact and to have ISO 14001:2015 certification,” said Clemens Buncher, Senior Quality & Environmental Manager. “Our Quality Assurance (QA) department, which I am a part of, also handles certification and reporting activities for sustainability and quality. The ACT Ecolabel perfectly fit into the scope of our activities and provided opportunities for improvement.”

When KNAUER decided to pursue the ACT Ecolabel, their goal was to validate and enhance their sustainability efforts while gaining deeper insights into the environmental impact of their products. Soheil Shayesteh, Head of Service and Support, emphasized KNAUER’s commitment to longevity and customer satisfaction: “I see it as the responsibility of manufacturers to develop and produce clean and long-lasting products. This means minimizing the negative effect on the environment while at the same time providing the customer with excellent products.”

“Our aim was to enhance our offerings and confirm that our efforts lead to positive outcomes,” said Buncher. “With the ACT program, we were able to achieve all of these goals for our HPLC systems. My Green Lab provided us with a standardized system to evaluate the sustainability of our products and verify the results to enhance customer trust.”

Navigating the certification process

The auditing process assessed key EIF categories, including materials, manufacturing, packaging, user impact, and end-of-life. Developed with input from industry experts and external stakeholders, these criteria were independently audited by My Green Lab’s collaborator SMS Collaborative, LLC (SMSC). Ultimately, this comprehensive assessment determined the information and EIF score shown on KNAUER’s ACT Ecolabel.

KNAUER’s HPLC systems received the lowest EIF score currently in the ACT database. Throughout their journey to achieve the ACT Ecolabel, KNAUER worked closely with My Green Lab to assess the environmental impact of their HPLC systems, appointing an internal project manager from their QA department to lead the effort.

“Resources from other departments were made available upon request and within reason to support and ensure the progress of the project. New test equipment was made available and our evaluation team in the lab was also involved,” shared Buncher. Collaboration across teams was vital to meeting the rigorous certification criteria. “The longevity and reparability of our products greatly contributed to our score,” noted Buncher. “We were also happy with the measured power consumption of the systems.”

The certification highlighted areas for improvement, as Buncher explained: “The energy consumption of KNAUER products has received more attention through the certification process. The weight of individual components was also highlighted, strengthening our efforts to reduce this in future developments.” He added, “This point is now included in the standard requirement specification for KNAUER products.”

“To see the final results was a very special moment for us,” said Dr. Christian Benkhäuser, Head of Research & Development. “It showed us that we are doing the right things, and it helps us to go this path even further and improve.”

Sustainability as a catalyst for innovation

The ACT Ecolabel’s in-depth evaluation not only validated KNAUER’s sustainability efforts but also spurred further innovation. “In the past, we didn’t focus on using recycled materials,” said Dr. Benkhäuser. “During the ACT certification process, this was a topic that came up, and we started to evaluate possibilities to exchange materials to the recycled versions.”

Dr. Benkhäuser also noted several environmental topics that are now in their development process as a result of the ACT Ecolabel: “Can we use other/less material? How can we make the product more efficient (less material, less energy needed)? How can the device be serviced? That’s maybe the most important point for us: Every device can be serviced very easily, we try to keep the assembly groups small, so that just a few materials are needed to repair.”

Buncher elaborates: “The certification process established a new standard for orientating our product development and management processes, while also reminding us of the importance of sustainability in our product decisions.”

Empowering customers through transparency

The ACT Ecolabel simplifies complex environmental data, empowering laboratories to make informed and sustainable purchasing decisions that align with their environmental goals. “The ACT Ecolabel helps to bring companies and customers with the same philosophy together,” said Dr. Benkhäuser. “It is nice to make it easier for customers to find products that match their sustainability philosophy.”

One of the main goals of the ACT program is to provide laboratories with a database of third-party verified products, simplifying the process of choosing more sustainable products. “The program allows us to quantify our efforts and enables our customers to check our products for sustainability in comparison with competitors. Our sustainable programs and projects which lead to more sustainable products are made more visible,” said Buncher.

Leading the way: a model for sustainability

The ACT Ecolabel enables KNAUER to align its sustainability goals with broader industry benchmarks. “KNAUER wants to provide long-lasting products and service them for as long as possible,” said Shayesteh. “The certification fits into achieving this goal, as it is important to get an external view and to compare with other manufacturers,”

KNAUER’s packaging further supports sustainability, with 80% recycled materials and take-back programs in the US, EU, and UK. These efforts, paired with energy-efficient production and life cycle assessments, demonstrate KNAUER’s dedication to minimizing environmental impact.

Raj Patey, My Green Lab’s Business Development Director, highlighted KNAUER’s industry leadership: “Their exceptional EIF score sets a benchmark for the industry. We’re proud to support KNAUER in this journey toward greater accountability and transparency in lab product sustainability.”

KNAUER’s commitment to sustainability showcases how manufacturers can lead the way in responsible product development, setting a standard for others in the industry to follow. Through continuous improvement and innovation, they are helping shape a greener future for laboratory science.

“There is a lot to think about and to take into account when developing, producing, and maintaining sustainable products,” said Kate Monks, Head of Quality and Regulatory. “We’re proud of our ACT Ecolabel and the excellent score we got for the HPLC systems.”

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Want to learn more or adopt the ACT program? Browse our website or reach out to us at businessdevelopment@impactlaboratories.com.

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.

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.

We Can Do Better

The life sciences industry must take proactive steps towards sustainability. With the projected growth of the industry, the plastic waste generated will only continue to increase unless significant changes are made​​. It is not just the responsibility of individual labs but a collective effort that requires the collaboration of manufacturers, end-users, and policymakers. By embracing the adoption of reusable pipette tips and plates through advanced washing technologies, like Grenova, laboratories can make substantial contributions to environmental sustainability while also realizing economic benefits. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need to reduce plastic waste but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices in scientific research and healthcare.

Join us here to explore how adopting practices like tip washing can reduce plastic waste and calculate your potential sustainability impact. Together, we can all do better in reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future for the life sciences industry. Every small step counts in making a big difference.

References

1. https://s23.q4cdn.com/595160625/files/LifeLines_March2021.pdf.
2. Nicholson, Scott R., Nicholas A. Rorrer, Alberta C. Carpenter, and Gregg T. Beckham. “Manufacturing Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Plastics Consumption.” Joule 5, no. 3 (March 17, 2021): 673–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2020.12.027.
3. UK 2020 Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2020. From: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy water supply tab.
4. Korol 2019 Korol, Jerzy, Aleksander Hejna, Dorota Burchart-Korol, Błażej Chmielnicki, and Klaudiusz Wypiór. “Water Footprint Assessment of Selected Polymers, Polymer Blends, Composites, and Biocomposites for Industrial Application.” Polymers 11, no. 11 (November 2019): 1791. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111791.
5. Travers, J., Whitt, N., Chen L., Todd, C., Frebert S., Michael S., Klumpp-Thomas, C. (2019, February 2-6). Reduction of Plastic Waste Through the Use of Automated Pipette Tip Washing [Poster presentation]. SLAS, Washington, D.C., USA.
6. Choi, D., McGahee, E. III, Brosius, C., Brown, J., Guillot, T., Lee, J., Xia, B., Wang, L. (2019) Integrating tip washer into automation system waste management procedures [Poster presentation].
7. Mannheim, Viktoria, and Zoltan Simenfalvi. “Total Life Cycle of Polypropylene Products: Reducing Environmental Impacts in the Manufacturing Phase.” Polymers 12, no. 9 (August 24, 2020): 1901. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091901.

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 program, ACT 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.

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.

My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) are thrilled to announce that the 2023 Freezer Challenge has saved a whopping 20.7 million kWh of energy, corresponding to about 14,663 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent — more than double the amount of CO2 saved in last year’s challenge!

In our largest competition ever, nearly 2,000 laboratories around the world participated in the Freezer Challenge — a free competition that promotes energy efficiency through best practices in cold storage management. This year, participating labs contributed to saving energy equivalent to 37.5 million miles driven by an average gas-powered vehicle.

​“The success of the 2023 Freezer Challenge underscores the dedicated efforts of thousands of scientists worldwide. Doubling last year’s CO2 savings reflects a shared commitment to sustainable practices in energy conservation,” says James Connelly, CEO, My Green Lab. “The exponential growth in impact from the Freezer Challenge signals a shift in the science industry to embrace sustainability. It proves that small actions in the lab multiplied across the globe can have a significant impact.”

Launched globally in 2017 by My Green Lab and I2SL, the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge has saved 44.7 million kWh worth of energy to date, reducing CO2 emissions by 31,678 metric tons, which is the equivalent of saving energy consumed by 6,164 homes for one year.

This year’s incredible growth is an indication that the scientific sector is taking sustainability seriously. Labs from 27 different countries contributed to a 42% rise in participating organizations compared to 2022, reflecting a wider global involvement.

2023 Freezer Challenge Winners

​With over 26,000 participating cold storage units, thousands of scientists and 170 organizations committed to sustainability took part in making this year’s challenge a success. Over the course of the six-month competition, labs accumulate points for adopting sustainable practices concerning their cold storage units, including actions that enhance energy efficiency, ensure sample accessibility, and maintain sample integrity. To determine the winners, the number of points earned as well as the amount of energy saved by each lab was considered.

​While every participating lab is a winner for helping save an incredible amount of energy, we are proud to recognize labs and organizations in several categories for their noteworthy contributions to the 2023 Freezer Challenge. Winners will be recognized at the upcoming I2SL Annual Conference in October and will also be interviewed for an article in Lab Manager magazine.

Testimonials from Some of Our 2023 Winners 

“We are delighted to be recognised with the Top Organization and Small Size Lab Awards. Participating in the Freezer Challenge is more than a friendly challenge among colleagues; it signifies our collective commitment to sustainable science. Every kilowatt saved reflects our dedication to not only pioneering research but also to safeguarding our planet for future generations. We all have a role to play.” — Juliette White, CBE, Vice President, Global Sustainability and Safety, Health & Environment, AstraZeneca.

“We were delighted to hear the news of winning the award. Signing up to the challenge motivated us to implement a management plan for our cold storage equipment and it was well worth the effort.” — Dr. Jane Kilcoyne, Analytical Chemist at Marine Institute Ireland.

“The GI/Onc group has been a part of the Green Labs initiative here at Hopkins since day one. Earning the Freezer Challenge award is icing on the cake, the cake being our Platinum My Green Lab Certification. We plan on earning Green during our recertification.” — James Leatherman, Lab Manager for GI Oncology Research, Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee and the team at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

​List of All Our 2023 Winners:
Note: Winning Streak Awards are given to previous year’s winners that exceeded their energy savings from last year. 

Biotech/Pharmaceutical Sector Winners 

• Top Organization Award: AstraZeneca
• Winning Streak Award: Amgen
• Top Large Lab Award​: Genetic Toxicology – Cell Health Assessment of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson in Belgium
• Top Medium Lab Award: Bioprocess Development (BD) Pre-Pivotal Drug Substance Technology (DST) of Amgen in the United States of America
• Top Small Lab Award: Biobank Gothenburg of AstraZeneca in Sweden
• Top Biorepository Award: Labcorp Biorepository – Labcorp Central Laboratory Services

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Academic Sector Winners

• Top Organization Award: University of Alabama Birmingham in the United States of America
• Winning Streak Award: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States of America
• Lab Winning Streak Award: The Indiana CTSI Specimen Storage Facility at the Indiana University School of Medicine
• Top Large Lab Award​: GI Onc at Johns Hopkins University
• Top Medium Lab Award: Illinois Natural History Survey-Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory
• Top Small Lab Award: Kerppola Lab of University of Michigan in the United States of America
• Top Biorepository Award: Vet Anatomy Dissection Lab of University College Dublin in Ireland

Government Sector Winners

• Top Government Organization Award:​ National Institutes of Health in the United States of America
• Top Large Lab Award​: CFIA Greater Toronto Area Lab of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in Canada
• Top Medium Lab Award: Biochemistry Laboratory of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the United Kingdom
• Top Small Lab Award: Biotoxin Chemistry Lab of Marine Institute Ireland in Ireland
• Top Biorepository Award: Molecular Biology of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in the United Kingdom

Hospital/Clinical/Other Winners

• Top Organization Award: Amsterdam UMC
• Winning Streak Award: Boston Children’s Hospital
• Top Large Lab Award​: Southwest Pathology Services of SYNLAB Group in the United Kingdom
• Top Medium Lab Award: Lab of Experimental Immunology – Klein Lab of University Hospital Cologne in Germany
• Top Small Lab Award: Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in the USA
• Top Biorepository Award: Amsterdam UMC Biobank

Honorable Mentions

• Organizations (all sectors):
  • Institute of Cancer Research, United Kingdom
  • Johns Hopkins University, United States of America
  • Genentech
  • Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson
  • Q Squared Solutions (IQVIA)
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States of America
  • Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom
• Labs (all sectors, all lab sizes):
  • Cihakova Lab – Johns Hopkins University
  • Quinn/Tobian Lab – Johns Hopkins University
  • Edberg Lab – University of Alabama Birmingham
  • Ray Ming Lab – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
  • Clinical Research Specimen Processing (CRSP) Core, University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center, USA
  • TS&BA Pathology Lab – Amgen
  • Cardiometabolic Disorders (ASF) – Amgen
  • Lab Services in Slough UK – Avantor/UCB
  • AD Bioassay Cambridge – Biogen
  • DTMP-LECP Team in Belgium – Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson
  • Labcorp Biorepository – Labcorp Central Laboratory Services
  • S&T Labs – Nestlé
  • Maple Leaf Foods, Technical Services, Central Laboratory
  • Integrated Diagnostics – LifeArc
  • Biopathology Center at Nationwide Children’s Abigail Wexner Research Institute
  • Mark Andermann Lab – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
  • Pathology-Biobanking-Research – Amsterdam UMC
  • Experimental Vascular Medicine Lab of Amsterdam UMC

​Learn more about the Freezer Challenge here.

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The Freezer Challenge is a joint program run by My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and is made possible through the generosity of industry sponsors. Our sponsors for the 2023 competition are: Eppendorf, Stirling Ultracold, B Medical Systems, Gilead, Elemental Machines, Amgen, PHCbi, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.