Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 65.09
Liaison Shane Stennes
Submission Date Jan. 11, 2023

STARS v2.2

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.25 / 0.50 Carley Rice
Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have or participate in a green laboratory program?:
Yes

Does the institution’s green laboratory program address the following?:
Yes or No
Energy conservation and efficiency, e.g., fume hood ("shut the sash") and freezer maintenance programs Yes
Water conservation and efficiency No
Chemical use and disposal No
Materials management, e.g., green purchasing guidelines and recycling and reuse programs Yes
Training for lab users on sustainable practices Yes

A brief description of the institution's green laboratory program:
The Green Labs Program is currently in it's pilot phase.
Overview
In summer 2020 a group of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics (BMBB) researchers and staff connected with the Office of Sustainability to work to create a more environmentally sustainable lab space at the University. They voiced concerns over recycling practices, energy efficiency, and more. Since then, the Office of Sustainability has worked with Anja Bielinsky’s lab team and Ryan Baxley to pilot sustainable lab infrastructure and practices. The pilot began with waste management changes and is now focusing on energy efficiency and emissions reductions practices. All practices and infrastructure changes are being piloted with the goal of expanding the program to many more labs in the future.

Goals
Increase knowledge, awareness, accessibility, and engagement with sustainable recycling practices in lab environments
Increase knowledge, awareness, accessibility, and engagement with energy conservation efforts in lab environments
Decrease carbon footprint of lab spaces on campus

Progress
Organics recycling has been implemented in the Bielinsky lab
Energy conservation methods have been implemented in the Bielinsky lab
“Shut the Sash” and “Turn off when not in use” stickers have been piloted to encourage energy conservation behavior

Website URL where information about the green laboratory program is available:

Optional Fields 

Additional documentation to support the submission:
---

Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.