Villanova University
IN-9: Green Laboratories

Starting Fall 2015, Villanova launched a green lab certification program. Green Lab certification gives recognition to those who are helping to make their lab area safer for people and the greater environment. Born out of a partnership between Environmental Health and Safety, the Office of Sustainability and Villanova lab representatives, the certification is meant to unite all three efforts to improve lab safety and sustainability, without compromising lab productivity. Labs that achieve Green Lab certification complete an eight category checklist, and implement enough sustainable and safety changes to meet the program requirements. All research and classroom labs are qualified for Green Lab certification. Certification is valid for two years, requiring reapplication to keep certification. Since its launch, we have certified 20 labs, with more on the way.The green labs represent 39% of all campus labs. The eight category checklist includes issues such as: -shut the sash (with free stickers for new labs) -power strips -equipment turn off notice when not in use -freezer sharing, consolidation, clean out and efficiency -sharing of other laboratory equipment -green chemistry practices -chemical tracking and reduction -waste diversion and reduction -green cleaning products, recycled laboratory ware and rechargeable batteries, to name a few