University of California, Berkeley
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program

The Green Labs Program was created to improve sustainable practices within research and teaching labs on campus with the goal to incorporate the use of water reduction, waste elimination and energy saving technology, along with actions and procurement strategies for researchers, instructors, and lab spaces. The Green Labs Certification Program recognizes laboratories for their implementation of sustainability and efficiency practices. Labs are able to achieve credits in the areas of Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Chemicals, Purchasing, and Education, and evaluate potential areas of improvement. The new studio certification program encompasses traditional and non-traditional chemical or engineering labs, and may include design studios, architecture programs, electronics, robotics, prototyping, 3D printing and fabrication shops.

In May 2020 the campus produced its first Green Labs Action Plan. The Plan identifies short and longer-term initiatives to improve sustainable practices - such as water reduction, waste elimination, energy saving technology, engagement and procurement strategies - in campus lab and research spaces.

Participating laboratories will collaborate within the campus labs community to
bring innovation and creativity to the certification program, and will support the
Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Sustainability’s (CACS) efforts towards a more
sustainable UC Berkeley. CACS (sustainability.berkeley.edu/cacs) has identified a list of sustainable actions that can be implemented by labs to satisfy the requirements for a Green Certified Laboratory. Certification is awarded through a points system. Certification stands for 2 years; criteria and requirements may change over time. Periodic check-ins between the lab and Green Labs Certification student representative will be required.

Under energy conservation and efficiency, the program requires labs to use shared freezers and refrigerators as well as freezers that are Energy Star rated. Lab members must also periodically defrost and clean freezer coils.

With water, lab staff and students are encouraged to reduce water consumption and be familiar with the process for reporting any water leaks in pipes or sinks to building managers.

With chemical use and disposal, labs are asked to minimize chemical waste by routinely inventorying which chemicals are used, stored and created in the lab, as well as to donate surplus chemicals and store and secure chemicals in locations approved by Environmental Health & Safety.

Under materials management, labs are required to return, reuse or recycle envelopes, boxes and packaging material whenever possible. Labs are also advised to use rechargeable batteries where possible and reuse disposable plastic and glass items.

Finally, labs are required to post a sustainable practices fact sheet, discuss green practices at regular team meetings and assign a lab member to oversee recycling and sash closures.

The information in this field comes from the UC Berkeley Office of Sustainability Green Certification web page and Green Labs Action Plan.