| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.09 |
| Liaison | Shane Stennes |
| Submission Date | Jan. 11, 2023 |
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.25 / 0.50 |
Carley
Rice Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Management |
Does the institution have or participate in a green laboratory program?:
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:
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.