Resources for Green Labs Community

Advocacy for a full-time employee

First off, we would recommend starting advocacy for a full-time employee ASAP. While you can definitely run a volunteer Green Labs program, and we at Caltech have done so successfully for 2 years, the things you can do are pretty limited as compared to a FTE! Our group of volunteers advocated for over 2 years before a job was proposed to the president - this took a TON of work and a lot of meetings to get done. We met with our Sustainability office, lab managers, the provost, the dean, the Sustainability committee, student offices and clubs, and many many more. We also put together this document (similar to one made by the UGA) including a list of other GL programs, and this presentation (or here as a pdf) that outlines the impacts of various programs like fume hood shut the sash campaigns, divesting of freezers, changing temperatures of ultra-low temperature freezers, etc. These larger-scale impacts are virtually impossible without a FTE.

Projects with big bangs (AKA payoffs)!

We recommend a new group focus on projects with big payoffs, such as fume hood shut the sash campaigns, freezer temperature changes, etc. See the our pilot programs or our Intern webpage for some suggestions. These projects have big dollar payouts, which pave the way for upper-level university support, and make it easier to support programs such as recycling programs, which often require you to pay. If you want information on our programs, we have a ton of resources/links/recommendations to get you started! Furthermore, these projects also allow you to advertise your group/program, as you're meeting with many labs focusing on a single problem, and to get feedback, answer questions, and get new suggestions based on the needs of all these labs. Use these data/opportunities, as they are invaluable! This creates your network of loyal labs who, if they know you will provide reliable resources, will be willing to help out even more in the future, especially if you take their concerns and questions seriously.

We have collected a lot of DATA since we started! Everything we do is based around data collection: Lomi composing? Data on food diversion rates and carbon emissions; Changing your -80˚C to -70˚C? Data on sample stability after 1 year (our in-house study will continue for 5 years); Lab plastic recycling? Data on creation of virgin plastic and recycling carbon emissions, and data on amount of waste diverted, etc. Data, data, data. As such, we have needed to start slowly, with just a few labs participating and then growing the programs. This slow release of projects also allows us to get the kinks out, so we ensure it is easy for labs to do and does not burden other groups, such as Custodians.

We have also tried to prioritize free programs, like pipette tip box recycling, that only require folks to bring their pipette tip boxes to a certain location in each building (which presumably is not a big burden for those labs wanting to participate). For this project, we even partnered with a vendor who wants to redistribute the boxes (and if they cannot they recycle them for us!), so the program is free for us and for labs, and it has the added bonus for the vendor of giving them good PR. We are also not pushy - if a lab says they are not interested, no worries! We will work with them to support any efforts they are comfortable with. (And provide data to help support our claims in case they are curious). We also give GREAT rewards (mostly food) but also some useful things like ice scrapers and equipment stickers that labs LOVE.

Even though we do not currently have a full-time employee, we have made a significant impact as a volunteer group. Getting started, a small group of us (mostly lab managers or technicians, but some students) in various labs were frustrated by the lack of recycling bins in our building. This led us to email our entire division to see if there were others interested in pursing Green Labs initiatives - that initial brainstorming meeting led us to pursue the programs we have, and to ask for funding. We decided that we did not want to be a club, we wanted to be a group funded from our division as this gave us more freedom as a group, and did not require us to limit how we spent funds. We wrote a proposal (this didn't end up being approved as-is, but very close) and asked our division head to give us ~$10k for a year (we did not spend that in our first year!) to support the initiatives (most of which we have successfully pursued: check out our various Pilot Programs). They granted us the funds, and we got to work!

In our first few months, we wrote an Action Plan outlining our plans and goals for the year, and a Green Labs Guide with tips and tricks for labs to be more sustainable. We also created a listserv to keep in touch with folks (we have a good welcome email getting folks up to speed when they join), and a website to disseminate information, and had a student design our beautiful logo so folks can be assured that our group is responsible for the projects, and to encourage them to look us up!

To do this work together, we decided to hold monthly meetings, for which we had lunch ordered to encourage participation (we preferred to use sustainable restaurants, which we have put together as two sustainable restaurant guides as well, to help advocate for sustainable and/or zero-waste events). During our meetings, we use the time to give updates on projects, propose new ideas, present a monthly Green Labs tip, and work on our various projects. We also established a grassroots (and free!) Certification program, where labs complete a simple form and then get a plaque outside their labs and exclusive access to some supplies, such as equipment stickers, events, and more. The Certification form also works as a way for us to introduce folks to various pilot programs, resources, etc.

See also our tabs below: "Barriers for Our Program" and "Things We Wish We'd Known".

Events

We also decided to run events, including a Lightning Talks Event, where we invite members of the community to deliver 3 minute talks on sustainable initiatives their lab has done, or would like to pursue. Many of the ideas presented become pilot projects we pursue. Folks can also apply for funding for projects. We also partnered with student groups to host several events (like social events where we repotted succulents into recycled pipette tip boxes!), as students are a primary target for Green Labs initiatives. We have also had some really fun events, such as Styrofoam Bowling, when we launched our Styrofoam recycling program.

We often ask vendors to provide food or swag (or both!) to make sure our events are free (or nearly so!) and many vendors, especially ones we highlight in our Guide or on our website, are very happy to do so! We are also engaging with labs during our Spring Clean Event, for which we spent several months compiling resources, how-tos, making signage, etc. (all of which you are very welcome to use!!). Furthermore, we have put together a Guide for making events zero-waste - again, everything we do is able to be put on our website! We try to stick to these guidelines as much as we can, so we are acting as an example and putting into practice the things we stand for and promote.

Future-proofing our work

Everything we worked on we have tried to future-proof. This means working out the kinks and planning, making sure the volunteers can work on it long-term, making the resources on our websites not need to be modified every year, etc. We have also worked closely with Sustainability, Facilities, Safety, and our division, making sure everything is transparent and everyone that needs to know is kept in the loop. This can cause some delay, but if you ask folks early enough (and provide a well-written project proposal) they are likely to agree as long as it does not burden their departments. Further, if you already have divisional approval it makes things go much more smoothly, not only in getting Safety etc to approve the project, but also getting labs that are willing to pilot programs. We also ensure that the QR codes we put on will work forever (we use Adobe to make ours) and that the posters can be either used again and again, or modified just slightly to minimize the need to revamp them every year, and also if labs post, say, our fact sheets in their spaces, that they will be accurate even after a year or two.

Furthermore, we try to make the most of our time - so that means making resources as we go, such as the sustainable restaurants guides, and putting them to good use. This further justifies the existence of our group.

Funding.
1. We are still struggling with how to get funding for larger projects. We recommend asking your department for funding to support all your programs.
2. Check out local funding options, as some places may be able to fund projects through governmental or institutional funding agencies.
Free resources.
1. We learned to utilize opportunities to get "free stuff" - we often ask a sustainable vendor to sponsor an event, and ask that they bring food, supplies, etc. They get an opportunity to interact with folks one-on-one and / or show off their sustainable supplies, and we get an opportunity to highlight a sustainable vendor.
2. Take opportunities to utilize resources already on campus. For example: our library has a Cricut machine, so we are able to design and cut our own energy-efficiency stickers for a much lower cost than getting them manufactured en masse, and it ensures they are fully customizable for each lab and can be produced in the exact numbers each lab needs.!
3. We also often look for deals or discounts, and keep track of any cost-savings efforts. This goes a long way to showing we are being responsible and conscientious with the funding we get.
Get facilities involved and excited about recycling programs.
1. Currently our programs are volunteer-based, but we know this is not a long-term solution. While we pilot the programs, we are relying 100% on our volunteers and vendors to run these programs. However, we hope to one day pass these projects onto Facilities as they become larger, so keeping them in the loop is paramount to success.
2. We have discussed our various programs with Custodial and Facilities staff so they know to leave our bins alone, and how our projects work. It is helpful to have their input at the beginning stages so it is easier to future-proof the program and make it easier to expand.
Professors.
1. Worked hard to convince professors the work was worthwhile. We found that financial incentives worked well to show the value of our work. We also give them DATA. Also we discuss benefits to labs (including putting they are Green Labs-certified on grant applications) and free stuff/resources (like stickers or events exclusive to Green Labs), increasing equipment longevity, and more. Be creative here and find what works best when talking to various groups. The concerns of professors are different from the concerns of a student.
  1. For example: we found a great biodegradable glove and worked with the vendor to get a good discount making them cheaper than many traditional gloves, which convinced many professors to switch.
2. We also worked with lab managers and students to convince their professors as well.
3. Providing data for changes is a useful tool, especially from pilot programs run on the campus.
Website.
1. We had to make sure our lists on our website did not make it easy to discern which labs were or were not participating (professors were concerned there would be negative implications if they did not participate), so we made lists alphabetical by participant, and not the lab they belong to.
Getting other types of labs engaged.
1. Working on expanding our program, and making the Certification more "general" so it is applicable to other labs.
2. Taking in feedback from various groups to make the program more interesting and useful to other groups.

Asking earlier for funding for a permanent member of the staff to run Green Labs
1. It is a LOT of work for our volunteers and having the support of a full-time employee would mean our projects have a much larger impact, and can be disseminated to other departments.
Focusing on projects that "matter" to labs and planning our strategies better
1. For example: we wish we had started on Styrofoam recycling projects earlier since this is an issue that will impact the most labs and was the #1 issue we heard about from labs. We initially spent energy on pipette box recycling from one specific company and this impacts many fewer labs (for now, only those that use this particular brand). While the pipette box recycling program is very successful, it would have increased engagement and interest earlier if we focused on projects that impact more labs.
Advertising pilot projects more effectively
1. For example: some people for the tabletop composters didn't understand that the Lomi machines turn food waste into dirt, and didn't want the machines in the food prep areas because "composting is gross". We are having to re-campaign this initiative since we did not word our signs very well initially, and didn't provide signage indicating what the machine did initially (we expected folks to use the QR code we included on the page, which they did not use!)
Getting funding for larger projects by talking with professors, departments etc. to get financial support for larger-scale projects that can have a large impact.
1. This can work well with giving a department or other group props for being sustainable, as well as guaranteeing funding.
Talking with EHS and biosafety earlier to ensure our work aligns with theirs and keeps everyone safe.
Engaging other types of labs
1. Initially started in our department only.
2. Slowly expanding out and putting up posters in different areas of campus with the hopes other groups will use our resources, join our group/certify, and/or make their own groups.
3. Expanding to core facilities groups to increase awareness and get them involved.
4. Making the Guide and Certification forms generalizable so they can be useful for the most labs.
  1. Next year we will incorporate feedback from labs to make them even better.
Utilizing opportunities with vendors
1. Work with vendors to sponsor events so they are free or mostly free! We have often chosen to have only one vendor support an event, as this gives us an opportunity to highlight a sustainable or supportive vendor, and it gives them an opportunity to interact with folks one-on-one.
2. Vendors may also be able to donate products or supplies to support events, prizes, and more. We just always make sure these are products that will be able to be used, and/or that have some sustainability components.
Make sure everything you do is future-proofed and utilizable in multiple ways if possible.
1. For example: if we run an event, we will try out a local, sustainable, restaurant. We make this work on two levels:
  1. That restaurant will get added to our Sustainable Restaurants Guide, along with information on our experiences with them. This is a great way to highlight restaurants or vendors that go the extra mile to be sustainable!
  2. We also show the community that it is possible to run sustainable or even zero-waste events.
2. We also ensure that posters have QR codes that don't expire, or are generalizable enough to not need a re-vamp every year.

Below is a list of peer universities Green Labs programs in alphabetical order, and a little blurb about each.

Cornell University has a well-established Green Labs program including (but not limited to) guides on how to make labs greener, eco-friendly alternatives to non-sustainable lab products, and ultra-low temperature freezer maintenance guides, to name a few. Their program also focuses on lab waste and recycling, autoclaves, energy consumption and statistics (for example they have a Shut the Sash program), and the amalgamation of resources for even more sustainable action.

Johns Hopkins University Green Labs program utilizes the (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program. This program also supports individualized green labs training (ranging from social and environmental impacts of research, role of scientists as responsible members of society, and skills and professional development relating to green labs best practices) for departments, programs and labs. JHU also created a Green Labs Best Practices Guide covering topics including equipment plug loads, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, freezers, green chemistry, waste reduction, and infrastructure. Further support is offered for the International Freezer Challenge, lab waste and recycling, and equipment share programs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Green Labs Program has focused on several areas of sustainability including recycling and waste reduction, pollution prevention, chemical inventories, safe and sustainable labs, cold storage, and green chemistry. In fact, their team is so dedicated to green chemistry and chemical substitution they developed the Green Alternatives Wizard, which is a database allowing comparison of safer or less energy intensive chemical alternatives or processes.

Pennsylvania State University Green Labs program was recognized by the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories for the development of the Sustainable Lab Ambassador scholarship program that works to support research labs as they transition to more sustainable practices. This program utilizes the (paid-for) My Green Lab Certification program to Certify and assess labs in 14 target areas.

Stanford University has a green labs program focusing on green chemistry, energy, lab waste, and water conservation. They have developed Green Labs online training modules that educates researchers about sustainable lab supply purchasing, chemical use, energy efficiency, proper waste disposal, water consumption, and more.

Texas A&M University – College Station has developed a Green Lab program that labs can apply to online and are awarded points in fifty categories (including Styrofoam and glove recycling, chemical and equipment and chemical sharing, freezer maintenance, room temperature DNA storage, and mercury thermometer exchange, to name a few), alongside a lab walkthrough with EHS to confirm a checklist of items and initiatives. This Certification needs to be resubmitted every two years to maintain or update Certification level.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Green Labs program focuses on reduction of energy, water, material goods, and hazardous chemicals. They have a Green Labs Certification program that assesses labs alongside a partnership with EHS, and provides generalized guidelines that allow for individual labs to develop additional practices specific for their labs. Each lab selects a Green Labs Representative that takes a survey and encourages at least half of their lab to also complete the survey, then this assessment is reviewed and changes are suggested. Once changes are implemented, labs are granted Certification at five levels depending on how successfully suggested changes were implemented. Further resources include a Green Labs Primer to introduce new researchers to Green Labs practices, Lab Recycling and Reuse Program, and ULT Freezer Reservation program.

University of British Columbia Green Labs program supports researchers to reduce energy and water use, improve lab recycling, access funding, implement sustainable solutions, and facilitate community conversations about best practices. This program also includes resources for Chill Up Challenge, Shut the Sash program, Waterless Condenser rental program, freezer rebate program, international freezer challenge, and free outlet timers. They certify labs through the (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program, and offer a Lab Sustainability Course and Sustainability Coordinator Programs to better engage and train interested researchers. Though this university is in Canada, we felt inclusion of this program was necessary.

University of California Berkeley Green Labs program began around 2020, where they set goals for energy-saving technology, engagement, procurement strategies, waste elimination, and water reduction. Their Certification Program allows labs to achieve credits in areas of energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, chemicals, purchasing, and education. This university also developed useful Green Labs Guide and Green Labs Product Guide for labs to use as models of sustainable practices. UC Berkeley also has a Zero-Waste commitment, of which Green Labs plays a significant role.

University of California Davis Green Labs Program has developed an exemplary Green Labs Certification program wherein labs are awarded two-year Bronze, Silver, or Gold Certifications depending on how many points are achieved in various categories (ranging from community engagement, energy, fieldwork, green chemistry, travel, waste, and water initiatives). They have a minimum expectation that Lab Champions spend at least four hours per month working on initiatives for the Green Labs program. Furthermore, they have developed resources not only for Green Labs, but also for Green Workplaces (including Green Home Office and Green Study Space).

University of California Los Angeles Green Labs program offers a comprehensive Green Labs Certification program that includes an assessment of current practices that produces recommendations and educational tools on how each individual lab can reduce environmental impact. After three months of implementing the recommendations and tools, a reassessment is conducted and certification granted (depending on progress). Their program also offers resources on freezer maintenance and updating, waste disposal, green event certification, and they provide grant money for sustainable projects with their Green Initiative Fund, as well as having a zero waste commitment and a green buildings commitment, among others.

University of California Irvine Green Labs program is one of the first formal programs ever developed. This program has resources ranging from a Welcome Guide and Checklist, to downloadable signs and labels, guidelines for sustainable remote research, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, green chemistry, and procurement, alongside their (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program. UC Irvine also hosts sustainability staff training. Furthermore, UC Irvine is the homebase for many educational tools such as the Smart Labs Program, encouraging labs to build better and more sustainable laboratories, and assess needs for things such as energy consumption empirically.

University of California Merced Green Lab Program utilizes the (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program. This group has also developed a Green Lab Action Plan, and a Green Offices Program, and works with labs to inform, collect best practices, engage labs, develop initiatives and assess areas of improvement to adjust research efficiency.

University of California Riverside Green Labs program was developed in 2014. Labs are certified with the (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program, and Green Labs also independently works with labs to increase efficiency in water and energy use, and encourage proper waste management practices. This program also offers rebates on new energy-efficient equipment, shared instrument programs, surplus redistribution, chemical inventories, waste pickup services, International Freezer Challenge, and is working on glove recycling programs, autoclave efficiency research, and Styrofoam recycling programs.

University of California San Diego Green Labs program is working to assist labs in reducing their resource use and improving education and engagement efforts surrounding: electricity, lighting, cold storage and freezer management, fume hoods and ventilation, water, inventory management, recycling, waste reduction, hazardous waste disposal, green chemistry, travel, field work, community, purchasing, incentive/rebate programs, utility usage reporting, autoclaves/glass washing, and education. Their Green Labs Certification program is currently on pause, with a revamped program expected to release in Fall 2024. This group has many useful resources including laboratory recycling signage, sustainable lab products and equipment lists, sustainable practices guidelines, ChemCycle chemical recycling and redistribution program, and many more. Green Labs program also supports Green Office, Green Classroom, Green Events, Green Residence, Green Grads, and Zero Waste efforts.

University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Green Labs Program is one of the oldest and best-run programs in the US. This group has developed resources for labs in various categories including energy, water, and waste solvent re-use, equipment sharing and efficient space use, funding connections, social justice, and fervently support the International Freezer Challenge, as they are one of the original competitor universities and have one of the longest and most established programs in the US. Their program also provides resources for the Green Labs Community to establish their own programs, and to answer some commonly-asked questions. This program awards Green Lab Awards based on nominations from the community.

University of Georgia Green Labs Program includes initiatives focusing on energy saving, procurement, waste diversion, and water savings. This group is also focused on making complete and accurate Life Cycle Analyses of various products, including gloves (for which they have spent over four years researching the purchase of ethically-sourced gloves for their laboratories.)

University of Texas at Austin Green Labs program has resources, including a Green Labs Manual, geared towards tackling lab freezers, minimizing waste, recycling, chemical surplus, green chemistry, water conservation, and energy conservation. This program also offers sustainability grant proposal funding. This program is unique in that it is within EHS, which has allowed it to work with both labs and EHS to make labs safer, compliant, and sustainable. Furthermore they have developed the EHS Green Labs Leader Badge program, which is a self-paced certification program that allows researchers to learn about lab sustainability while they enhance their communication, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

University of Michigan Green Labs program offers certification not only for labs but also for other types of workplaces. They have resources related to waste reduction, energy management, lab reuse programs, and support initiatives including Green Teams, sustainability training, zero waste events, and sharing promotional materials.

University of Pittsburgh Green Labs program Certifies labs based on a point system, providing Certification at four different levels. The self-assessment certification program evaluates labs across chemicals and safety, culture of sustainability, energy consumption and equipment maintenance, innovation actions, lab recycling, purchasing, water conservation, and animal research. The Green Labs program also provides resources for chilling up ULT freezers, chemical redistribution programs, glove recycling, and shut your sash initiatives. This group has also contributed to the creation of a Student Green Guide and Employee Green Guide, alongside their Green Ambassadors program. U Pitt also has other sustainability programs of note including Green Events, Green Home Office Challenge, Green Office, Green Residents and Residence Halls, and Green Student Organizations.

University of Washington Seattle launched their Green Labs program in 2013, though it has been on pause for several years, with three Certification levels based on eight categories. Labs are assessed by an interdisciplinary committee and awarded appropriately. This program includes online libraries of resources including topics ranging from chemistry, communication and education, energy, fieldwork, recycling, travel, and water, to name a few.

University of Wisconsin Madison utilizes the (paid-for) My Green Labs Certification program to Certify labs, and have developed resources benefitting not only labs, but the campus. These resources include EHS chemical distribution, recyclopedia, chemical surplus and disposal forms, biological waste disposal, equipment and supplies surplus pickup/dropoff, International Freezer Challenge, green chemistry, glove recycling, pipette tip box recycling, and 12 principles of green chemistry. This program is impressively run entirely by intern teams that provide consultation services and create tools for best practices, and the program utilizes the UW-Madison Green Fund to provide labs with lots of opportunities to becoming more sustainable, and works toward the zero waste project and net-zero emissions project on campus.

University of Virginia Green Labs program includes Green Labs Certification focusing on cold storage, chemicals and reagents, materials and refuse, electronics and appliances, and engagement, that is available as an online form. Lab responses are analyzed and a Green Labs Specialist offers suggestions to make labs more sustainable. Once Certified, labs receive a plaque and other swag, and a feature on the Green Labs website. This program also supports participation in the International Freezer Challenge, Shut the Sash Competition, an energy impact tracker, smart energy routine initiatives, and Green Labs Working Group. Main focuses of this program include procurement, cold storage, fume hoods, green chemistry, waste and recycling, and other resources, of which they have collected or created various supporting documents, signage, tip sheets, and do's and don'ts, to name a few.

International Institute of Sustainable Laboratories has a ton of resources, videos, presentations, circular economy for laboratories, Q&A forums, and more! They also run an Annual Conference.

MyGreenLab is a wonderful non-profit resource, with lots of references for specific sustainability projects and programs, an excellent blog, and support for their paid-for Green Labs Certification programs. They are also the creators behind the ACT program, which utilizes third-party verification to indicate the environmental impact of various laboratory products, similar to food labels. By emphasizing Accountability, Consistency, and Transparency (ACT) around manufacturing, energy and water use, packaging, and end-of-life, ACT makes it easy to choose more sustainable products. ACT-labeled products are independently audited by SMS Collaborative, LLC (SMSC) and published by My Green Lab.

International Freezer Challenge runs between January and July every year, and is a great opportunity to engage with your labs, run a fun competition, and win some great prizes. Here are some resources they have put together about why setting your ultra-low temperature freezer to -80 °C may not be necessary! Here are some freezer studies.

Lab Conscious Blog

Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Tool

EPA Climate Change Information

NASA's Global Climate Change Information

Campus as a Living Laboratory - several universities have already adopted this practice including:

CalState
Columbia
Fullerton
AASHE has recently added additional information on this initiative

CU Boulder Green Labs Program also has some great resources suggested on their website, including:

BETR Grants, which connects efficiency expectations and sustainability to the funding of research.
Green Labs Nationwide Planning Group (join via their Google Groups page)
Green Procurement Compilation which is a green purchasing resource for federal contracting personnel and managers, and helps you identify information from federal environmental programs in one place.
S-Labs which is a non-profit aiming to create more sustainable labs and raise awareness of sustainability practices of students and staff in the UK. Their website has a ton of resources, and they hold conferences.
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System is a self-reporting framework for post-secondary institutions to measure their sustainability performance.
More links to University Green Labs Programs
and so much more, including resources for equipment metering, presentations, posters, and contest materials.

Resources for Green Labs Community

Curious about setting up your own Green Labs group?