Office of Sustainability
Green Labs Program
Green Labs Program
The mission of the Green Labs Program is to promote the reduction of the energy and resource waste created by laboratories without disturbing the research objectives. Green Labs works with lab managers, principal investigators, as well as students working in labs, to guide their laboratories into becoming energy efficient and sustainable.
About Us:
The Green Labs program was initially developed in 2014. At the height of the program, there were 18 certified labs across all campus research buildings. Initially, lab certification was based on the MyGreenLabs assessment tool, and rebate programs were also created in collaboration with Riverside Public Utilities. Research was conducted on lab waste, behavioral changes, autoclaves, and laboratory energy consumption in different disciplines. Currently, the Green Labs Program is working with PI's and lab managers to increase efficiency in water and energy use in labs in addition to encouraging proper waste management practices.
Green Labs Program
Objectives
- Educate lab personnel on efficiency in resource management
- Understand barriers to green lab practices
- Offer easy options to reduce waste in collaboration with researchers
- Empower researchers to be strong advocates for sustainability
- Create lab spaces that promote sustainable practices
Initiatives
- Green Labs certification program
- International Freezer Challenge
- ZEISS Incentive Program
- Building-wide interactive workshops for education and outreach on the Green Labs Program
Why Make Your Lab a Green Lab?
- Reduces waste, energy, and water consumption
- Improves environmental and personal health
- Prolongs equipment life and reduces equipment failures
- Saves money
- Nationally recognized, great for adding to grant applications!
The Certification Process
- Introduction Meeting: Upon submitting your Green Labs Interest Form a member of the Green Labs team will be in touch with you to schedule a 1-hour in-person consultation.
- Implementing Green Lab Practices: The lab will have 1 month to implement changes with help from the Green Labs team.
- Post-Assessment: A Green Labs team member will visit and assess the sustainable changes made by the lab.
- Certification: Successful labs receive an overall score, certification level, incentives, and certificates.
Current Certified Labs
| Lab Name | Level | Score | Issue Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ostevik Lab | Emerald | 90% | Spring 2023 |
| Kou Lab | Gold | 80% | Winter 2026 |
| Mechanical Engineering Design & Development Lab | Emerald | 96% | Winter 2024 |
| Peggy Mauk Lab | Gold | 80% | Spring 2024 |
| Lee Lab | Gold | 84% | Spring 2024 |
| Water Chemistry and Technology Lab | Gold | 85% | Spring 2024 |
| Hsiao Lab | Bronze | 60% | Fall 2024 |
ACS Sustainability Grants & Awards
ACS offers sustainability grants and awards to support the advancement of the chemical sciences through research, education, and community projects.
https://www.acs.org/sustainability/grants-awards.html
Eligible labs may receive Zeiss or Fisher grants for energy efficient equipment
The Green Labs incentive program is curated for the purchase of energy and water-efficient equipment. If labs plan on purchasing or replacing equipment, the labs can contact the Green Labs Program and apply for financial incentives.
Eligibility
- Labs should be Green Labs certified OR enrolled in the Green Labs certification process
- All labs (wet or dry) can apply
- Equipment must be certified by:
Benefits
- Replace old equipment
- Save money & energy
- Reduce emissions
- Re-distribution of equipment
How to Apply
- Labs must be in the process of being Green Labs Certified
- Fill out the incentive application
- Green Labs will determine funding eligibility and contact your lab with next steps
Learn More about Green Labs
Resources for Labs
Shared Instrumentation
- UCR has several core facilities, including the microscopy core, the genomics core, and the metabolomics core. https://cnas.ucr.edu/academics/instrumentation-facilities
ScotSurplus
- ScotSurplus is home to an eclectic assortment of used but still usable items collected from departments. https://cbs.ucr.edu/scotsurplus#no-back
E-inventory (Chemical Inventory using UC Safety)
- Email ehslaboratory@ucr.edu to request more barcodes or if you have any questions. Learn More Here.
Waste Pickup Services
- UCR Environmental Health & Safety offers waste pickup services.
Future Programs
- Glove Recycling Program
- Autoclave Efficiency Research Study
- Styrofoam Recycling
A. Energy Efficiency
Laboratories are one of the largest energy-consuming sectors in the country. For example,
- Ultra-low temperature freezers can use as much energy as an average household every day
- Small water baths can consume as much energy as a dishwasher every hour
- Large water baths can consume as much energy as a window air conditioner every hour
- Heat blocks can use as much energy as a 50" TV per hour
FAQ:
How long does the certification process take?
The entire process will take around one month! The more sustainable your laboratory is deemed to be by our pre-assessment checklist, the faster it can be certified.
Will participating in the Green Labs program negatively impact my laboratory’s operations?
No! All suggested changes that we propose are at your PI/lab manager’s discretion. While we may evaluate factors such as chemical safety and possible alternatives, we recognize that sometimes certain practices or equipment are necessary for your research. We aim to work collaboratively with you to identify feasible sustainability measures that align with your research goals and priorities.
What single-use items frequently make up the laboratory waste stream?
Plastic pipette tips, nitrile/latex/vinyl gloves, disposable masks, plastic pipette tips, disinfectant wipes, broken glassware, and more.
What are simple ways to improve my laboratory’s energy efficiency?
- Set ultra-low temperature freezers to -70°C instead of -80°C
- Submit a service request to Facilities Services for dripping/leaking faucets
- Consider purchasing reusable/biodegradable alternatives for single-use items
- Join the International Freezer Challenge
- Maintain a chemical inventory