Brigham Young University
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program

Green laboratory practices are common at BYU and championed by students, faculty, and staff. These practices align with the Environmental Protection Agency's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which aims to protect against the hazards of waste disposal, conserve energy and natural resources by recycling and recovery, reduce or eliminate waste, and clean up waste which may have spilled, leaked, or been improperly disposed of. Common practices at BYU include the following:

• Energy conservation and efficiency: Shutting the “sash” is standard practice for hood use.


• Water conservation and efficiency: High-quality water is used only when necessary. When washing lab dishes, distilled water baths save water rather than strictly rinsing dishes.


• Chemical use and disposal: Hazardous waste and chemicals are tightly regulated by BYU's Environmental Management team, which also collects and recycles electronic waste and batteries, fluorescent lights, oil-bearing devices, circuit boards, and aerosol cans. Training is required for anyone generating and handling unwanted laboratory material.


• Materials management: Recycling of lab plastics is not possible at this time, but plastic is often reused. Lab batteries are rechargeable and recycled when dead. Dishes are reused, reducing waste.


• Training for lab users on sustainable practices: Campus-wide, lab users follow the University Risk Management's safety training and protocol on waste management and chemical hazards. The Abbott Lab of Ecosystem Ecology, whose mission is to "understand and encourage sustainability and reciprocity among all persons," sets a model for all other lab users to follow.