Green Labs & Certification
In May 2020, the campus published its first Green Labs Action Plan, which identifies short- and long-term initiatives to improve sustainable practices such as water usage reduction, waste elimination, energy-saving technology, community engagement, and sustainable procurement strategies in campus labs and research spaces.
The Green Labs (GLs) Certification Program recognizes laboratories for their implementation of practices that increase sustainability and efficiency. Labs can achieve Blue-, Gold-, or Green-tier certification, based on points earned in the areas of energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste reduction, chemicals, purchasing, and education, and feedback is given to help labs evaluate potential areas of improvement.
Certified labs then join the Green Labs network of researchers, students, vendors, etc., gaining priority access to a plethora of resources and opportunities, including grants, workshops, waste audits, and exciting new sustainability initiatives on campus. In addition, members are invited to participate in semesterly meetings, which serve as a space for the discourse of opinions, feedback, and the latest news.
Labs interested in the Green Labs certification should fill out the Green Labs Checklist and reach out to the GLs team with any questions or concerns.
The Green Labs Certification Program is a part of the Office of Environment, Health, and Safety and is currently led by environmental programs manager Alicia Bihler and undergraduate student associates Keshwanth Puligulla and Vivian Li
Resources:
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Green Labs checklist:
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List of certified labs (live document)
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List of sustainable alternatives (live document)
