Labs use more energy per square foot than any other energy sector except data centers. This is due to their energy-intensive equipment, around-the-clock operations, 100% outside air requirements, and high airflow rates.
Ultra-low temperature freezers can use as much energy as an average household every day.
Purchase from vendors that have reduced their packaging.
Reuse equipment whenever possible to reduce waste and save money.
Recycle non-hazardous lab waste.
Recycle all gloves, pipet tip boxes, Styrofoam containers, and cardboard.
Ask your EH&S or Facility Management representative about recycling conical tubes, centrifuge and microcentrifuge tubes, pipet tips, reagent and chemical containers, and glass bottles.
Maintain proper signage and lab recycling procedures to encourage recycling.
Many labs use hazardous chemicals:
Lab chemicals can be difficult to store and dispose.
Reduce hazardous chemical waste:
Employ the Green Chemistry principles. Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances.
