We are thrilled to announce the launch of the ACT Ecolabel 2.0 program, an enhanced version of the only third-party verified ecolabel for laboratory products! Designed to advance Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency for the scientific industry, ACT Ecolabel 2.0 offers product-level data to support sustainability-driven purchasing decisions. Building on years of collaboration with scientists, manufacturers, procurement professionals, and sustainability experts, ACT Ecolabel 2.0 delivers a rigorous, standardized framework for assessing and communicating the environmental impact of laboratory products.

We are proud to announce that our commercial subsidiary, Impact Laboratories, third-party verifier of My Green Lab® Certification, has secured $4.95 million in Series A funding—exceeding its target. The capital will accelerate the development of enterprise-scale sustainability tools and expand global adoption of My Green Lab Certification, empowering laboratories to achieve measurable environmental and financial impact.

James Connelly, CEO of Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab said, “This investment signals a pivotal shift in how science integrates sustainability. Our enhanced software will empower labs with real-time data, security, and ROI-driven insights—enabling them to make measurable environmental progress. Thanks to our investors’ support, we’re scaling solutions that drive global impact.”

By enhancing Impact Laboratories’ software tools, this investment will bolster its position as a leader in providing secure, data-driven solutions that deliver genuine environmental and financial returns for laboratories worldwide. Furthermore, these funds will support a robust market development strategy to expand My Green Lab Certification and improve the technology used to audit and verify the My Green Lab ACT Ecolabel, the industry’s most comprehensive ecolabel for laboratory products.

Driving impact through investment

The funding round, led by a consortium of impact-driven investors including the Spokane Angel Alliance, TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, LabX Media, and Greenhouse Capital Partners underscores the growing demand for data-driven sustainability solutions in science. These investors bring not only capital but also deep expertise in scientific research, sustainable investment, and media outreach to accelerate Impact Laboratories’ mission.

“Backing Impact Laboratories means investing in a smarter, more sustainable scientific future,” said Peter Henig, Founder and Managing Partner of Greenhouse Capital Partners.

“Sustainable science is the future of research. Impact Laboratories’ solutions give scientists the tools to integrate sustainability without sacrificing innovation,” said Jim Datin, former CEO of BioAgilytix and current GHO Operating Partner. “This investment fuels the shift toward environmentally responsible labs that also excel in efficiency and cost savings.”

Bob Kafato, President of LabX Media, emphasized the long-term impact of this investment: “As investors, we have a responsibility to support innovations that move industries forward. The scientific industry is at a turning point—labs that prioritize sustainability will not only lead in innovation but also in operational excellence. This funding ensures that environmental responsibility becomes an integral part of scientific progress.”

A global shift towards sustainable science

As scientific research expands globally, the need for secure and scalable sustainable solutions has never been greater. Impact Laboratories’ ability to provide third-party independent verification and robust sustainability tools plays a crucial role in reducing the industry’s environmental impact.

Madin Akpo-Esambe, General Partner at TVF | Tacoma Venture Fund, spoke to the broader implications of this investment: “Greener labs mean a greener world. By accelerating lab sustainability, we’re not just improving operational efficiency, but we’re also creating systemic change for the better.”

Tom Simpson, Founder and CEO of Spokane Angel Alliance, emphasized the power of regional funding networks in driving mission-based companies with global impact. “Seeing a company like Impact Laboratories scale globally from Spokane signals a new level of maturity in our start-up ecosystem and investment community,” he noted. This success highlights how regional capital can fuel ventures that create meaningful change worldwide.

Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab are collaborating to empower scientists and laboratory professionals to create lasting environmental change. This successful fundraising round will propel progress toward a future where sustainability is integrated into every laboratory around the globe.

Thank you to all our mission driven investors that supported this round!

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.

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.

This recommendation reinforces the integrity and transparency of My Green Lab’s standard development process, and the high-quality and rigor of our certification and ecolabel programs.

We are thrilled to announce the recommendation of both My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program into the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program! This mark of distinction from EPA highlights the credibility of our programs and their alignment with international best practices.
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EPA’s Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels help federal purchasers identify and procure environmentally preferable products and services. Federal purchasers are directed in Executive Order 14057 on Catalyzing American Clean Energy Industries and Jobs through Federal Sustainability, the Federal Sustainability Plan, and subpart 23.1 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation to procure products and services meeting the Recommendations to meet net-zero emissions and other procurement goals. Alignment with federal sustainability goals demonstrates that My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program meet the highest international standards, driving meaningful progress toward reducing the environmental impact of scientific research.

“EPA’s recommendation is a powerful validation of our work at My Green Lab,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “This distinction affirms the integrity of our programs and their critical role in reducing the environmental impact of laboratories and laboratory products. With EPA’s support, we are one step closer to making green labs the global standard.”

Driving Global Momentum of Green Labs

This independent review by one of the world’s most recognized environmental authorities affirms that both My Green Lab’s standard development process and criteria adhere to best practices for environmental certifications.

My Green Lab Certification is considered the gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world. Supported by third-party verification from Impact Laboratories, My Green Lab Certification has engaged 3,450 labs in 50 countries reaching over 41,000 scientists. ​

The ACT Ecolabel provides transparent, third-party verified data about the environmental impact of laboratory products. By offering clear information on product sustainability, the ACT Ecolabel empowers procurement teams and scientists to make informed, sustainable choices. The ACT Ecolabel database includes 3,400 labels from 40 manufacturers.

This recommendation from EPA not only reinforces the value of our programs but also reflects the growing global momentum toward sustainable practices in scientific research. As the demand for environmental best practices in laboratories continues to rise, My Green Lab is committed to driving sustainability worldwide.

My Green Lab is proud to announce the addition of two new members to our Board of Directors: Dr. Fiona Adshead, Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, and Malcolm Bell, Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies. These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening My Green Lab’s independent governance and expanding our mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science.

“We are delighted to welcome Fiona and Malcolm to our Board,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “Their deep expertise in healthcare, sustainability, and innovation will undoubtedly enhance our ability to develop new tools to advance our programs along the healthcare value chain. Both have been influential in championing sustainability in their respective fields, and their contributions will be instrumental as we expand our mission to encompass the entire healthcare value chain.”

Dr. Fiona Adshead is an internationally recognized leader in public health and sustainability, with a career dedicated to promoting well-being and environmental sustainability across businesses and governments. As the Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition and a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Dr. Adshead has led and championed partnerships that drive sustainability in healthcare worldwide.

“I have long admired My Green Lab’s leadership in promoting sustainable practices within the scientific community,” said Dr. Adshead. “I am honored to join their Board and look forward to helping guide its work toward creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.”

Malcolm Bell is highly experienced in diagnostics and cleantech innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, which is Ireland’s leading cleantech company focused on transforming laboratory waste management, Mr. Bell has successfully built multiple businesses in diagnostics and drug discovery, significantly transforming the industry.

“The urgency to enhance sustainable practices in laboratories has never been greater. We must reduce environmental damage while advancing science through responsible and efficient solutions that align with global efforts to combat climate change and minimize waste,” said Mr. Bell. “I am excited to collaborate with My Green Lab to continue transforming laboratory practices, ensuring that innovation and sustainability move hand in hand toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”

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. 

My Green Lab is thrilled to announce the launch of the Accelerator Partner Program, a new initiative designed to recognize and support sustainability consulting services and organizations within the health sector. Understanding the importance of industry collaboration for achieving climate targets and creating a resilient, net-zero world, the Accelerator Partner Program will provide participating organizations with the essential resources and recognition needed to advance their sustainability efforts.

The program offers a variety of benefits for participating organizations to enhance their knowledge of green lab best practices while supporting clients in achieving their lab sustainability goals. Benefits include access to My Green Lab education and training programs, market endorsement from My Green Lab, certification program discounts, privileged access to My Green Lab’s training materials, and the right to use the Accelerator Partner designation as part of business development and outreach.

“The Accelerator Partner Program is a great resource for organizations seeking to solidify their commitment to lab sustainability,” said Ryan Arnold, VP of Investments and Partnerships at My Green Lab. “Our program not only equips organizations with invaluable resources to build their knowledge and skills, but it also grants industry recognition for their proficiency in green lab practices.”

Acknowledging their expertise in green lab principles, this initiative allows partners to offer consulting and implementation services that align with the My Green Lab Certification program and its recommendations. Recognized by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign as a key measure of progress towards a zero-carbon future, My Green Lab Certification is globally recognized as the gold standard for sustainability best practices in laboratories.

“We’ve already seen tremendous value from being part of the Accelerator Partner Program,” said Dr. Samantha Gordine, Sustainability Solutions Lead at Arcondis. “Access to My Green Lab’s vast educational resources and their endorsement of our green lab expertise has enhanced our efforts in helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We have been able to help implement more effective green lab practices, leading to improved efficiencies, cost savings, and a stronger commitment to environmental stewardship across our client base.”

The Accelerator Partner Program offers four levels of partnership to accommodate organizations of various sizes and budgets: Bronze (nonprofits and small organizations with fewer than five full-time employees), Silver (ideal for small or local organizations), Gold (suitable for national organizations), and Platinum (designed for global organizations. Initial Accelerator Partners include Arcondis and Triumvirate Environmental.

My Green Lab believes this program will foster robust partnerships that will help move the health sector toward a greener, more sustainable future. “The Accelerator Partner Program will allow us to amplify our collective impact, drive significant improvements in lab sustainability, and expedite the transition to greener practices across the industry,” continues Arnold.