Seattle University
IN-9: Green Laboratories

--Energy Conservation and Efficiency: Shut the Sash Utility and Safety Initiative: The Shut the Sash Campaign was implemented by Facilities Administration to raise awareness in the laboratories about the importance of shutting the sash when a chemical fume hood is not in use. Shutting the sash improves the energy efficiency of the laboratories; it is also an important safety measure. The sash should always be pulled down in front of the face to protect the breathing zone of the worker. The lower the sash, the safer the laboratory. Each chemical fume hood on campus was labeled with a colorful sticker as it received its annual performance check. The sticker acts as a prompt to remind laboratory workers to shut the sash when they are done working. This simple act aids HVAC system efficiency, increases sash closure persistence, and builds professional work habits. --Chemical Use and Disposal: Seattle University retains its Small Quantity Generator status with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The institution generated under 2,640 pounds of regulated chemical waste in 2017. Our last compliance inspection was August 26, 2014. Our institution follows the King County Laboratory Waste Management Guidance SQG-LABS-1 dated 12/2015. --Materials Management: Green Purchasing Guidelines: To support the University’s commitment to sustainability, it is Seattle University's goal to include environmental considerations in securing products and services as well as the advocacy for all end users to practice environmentally preferable purchasing. See our Environmental Purchasing Guidelines here: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/procurement-services/Environmental-Purchasing-Guidelines-Updtd-2009.pdf --Materials Management: Recycling programs: Seattle University continues to be rated as a Small Quantity Generator under chemical waste regulations WAC 173-303 Dangerous Waste Regulations. This status is maintained by having an aggressive and comprehensive recycling program within the Facilities Services Department. The EHS Manager and the Recycling Coordinator interact with the campus community to encourage use of best practices and provide education and manager vendor services (Stericycle and 3R Technology). SU submits an annual report to the Dept of Ecology that documents the steps SU follows to reduce its “dangerous” waste. Members of the campus community may ask for a Waste Assessment which includes evaluation for alternative management strategies as well as a Risk Evaluation using a risk mitigation tool. These are program enhancement tools designed to engage and educate the campus community to consider alternative strategies and reduce impacts and risk. --SU does not have a formal Green Laboratory program in place but uses several elements of such a program and industry best practices such as references in the table above to create awareness across campus. SU collaborates with a wide variety of external partners to assess and pilot conservation initiatives that support the campus environment, inclusive of the academic teaching enterprise. See also Sections EN10, OP5, OP19, and OP22.