Seattle University
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program

1. ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION:
The newly adopted University Resource Management Plan (2019; see attached) details all campus activities and operations targeting energy and water conservation.

2. 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.

3. CHEMICAL USE AND DISPOSAL:
Seattle University is regulated as a Medium Quantity Generator (MQG) in Washington State. We strive to adhere to the requirements of the Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303 and the Pollution Prevention Plans regulation WAC 173-307. This status requires us to report our waste management activities through two reporting processes: 1) Dangerous Waste Annual Report by March 1 and 2) Pollution Prevention Plan by September 1. Our personnel maintain an aggressive and comprehensive waste management program as a way to provide necessary support services to the members of the campus community. The Chemical Hygiene Officer, Safety Policy Specialist, Recycling Coordinator and Resource Conservation Manager interact with the campus community to encourage use of best practices, provide educational outreach opportunities and manage vendor services (Waste Management Healthcare Solutions, Clean Earth Environmental Services, and 3R Technology).

Our Dangerous Waste Annual Report-Tracks facility’s generation and management of dangerous waste to keep people and the environment safe.
Our Pollution Prevention Plan-Tracks details of toxic chemical use, then considers ways to reduce that use and the waste it generates.
Members of the campus community may request a Waste Assessment consult 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. The Waste Flow Diagram is designed in poster form to be posted in any teaching, research or workplace environment to further encourage proper segregation and fulfill our contractual obligations to our vendor partners.

4. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: RECYCLING AND REUSE PROGRAMS:
Chemical waste is managed through Clean Earth Environmental Solutions.
Biological waste is managed through Waste Management Healthcare Services.
Universal waste is managed through a variety of recycling outlets in partnership with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions.
The Facilities Services Department oversees the electronics recycling program for Seattle University. This effort is supported by guidance provided by King County and Washington State Department of Ecology.
Seattle University uses 3R Technology for its campus-wide electronic waste recycling and reuse needs. They are R2 Certified, a member of WSRA, and an E-Cycle program member.

5. 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

--SU's Interim Procurement Policy continues to govern health, safety and environmental affairs reviews and approval through the Chemical Hygiene and Biosafety Officer. ProcureSU (the university's e-procurement system) is used as a safety management tool to provide access to Safety Date Sheets and Pathogen Safety Data Sheets at the time of purchase.

Procurement Reviews by the Chemical Hygiene Officer
2018-298 reviews/approvals
2019 1,135 reviews/approvals
2020 YTD 992 reviews/approvals

--SU is a member of CSHEMA (Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association); this is a membership organization for enhancing health & Safety and Regulatory compliance within the higher education sector. SU is committed to building, and maintaining environmental health programs using the Small College and Universities Complete Environmental Health & Safety Program guidelines, http://www.cshema.org/

--Seattle University shall select cleaning products that meet Green Seal certification requirements. All newly-purchased powered janitorial equipment shall meet the criteria listed in GS-42, Green Seal Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services, First Edition, September 1, 2006 and all future editions. See: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/cejs/files/what-su-is-doing/Guidelines-for-Green-Cleaning-May-2009.pdf

6. TRAINING FOR LAB USERS ON SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES:
Students that use the laboratories are oriented in the safe use and disposal of all chemicals used in our laboratories. Additionally, the sustainable use of water for any experiments involving cooling, as well as the proper sash height for safe and effective use in all fume hoods, is emphasized during orientation to the laboratories and throughout the curriculum. Training is given by professors as well as lab managers, and organizational goals around the reduction of waste and environmental impact have been strongly considered during laboratory course design.