Michigan State University
IN-2: Innovation 2

The MSU Safe Sustainable Labs Committee includes representatives from key University units involved in research, space design, construction, maintenance and safety. The group is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of scientific research through collaborative efforts that cross organizational boundaries. The committee brings together staff with diverse expertise, experience and interests, who collectively represent MSU’s interests in balancing resource conservation with advancing research. The diversity of the group allows for improved communications and problem solving. Members get updated information for their own departments and bring up issues or roadblocks they’re encountering. The committee meets monthly. Current committee members include staff from the following MSU units: Office of Planning and Budgets, Environmental Health and Safety, and several Infrastructure Planning and Facilities departments including Safety, Building Services, Planning Design and Construction, and Sustainability. The committee has also collaborated with outside partners including the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The committee has coordinated and implemented a range of projects and initiatives, including: outreach and education to research faculty and staff; development of lab energy conservation design standards; involvement in planning new laboratories or laboratory renovations; review and risk assessment of lab ventilation rates; initiating a fume hood hibernation program; and guiding the implementation of efficiency technologies in lab spaces.