| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 72.46 |
| Liaison | Paul Mathisen |
| Submission Date | May 22, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
IN-9: Green Laboratories
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 0.50 |
Paul
Mathisen Dir. of Sustainability & Assoc. Prof Civil & Environmental Engineering |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
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 | No |
| Water conservation and efficiency | No |
| Chemical use and disposal | Yes |
| Materials management, e.g. green purchasing guidelines and recycling and reuse programs | No |
| Training for lab users on sustainable practices | No |
A brief description of the green laboratory program, including the specific initiatives selected above:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Gateway Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park (Gateway Labs) has achieved a 33% electrical reduction in its first summer after a series of improvements. Equipment has been upgraded to the latest ASHRAE and ANSI standards, and efforts are underway to maximize each individual’s awareness of personal impact on lab energy use. The turnkey implementation of a GreenerU’s GreenerLabs program addressed key engineering and behavioral issues around fume hood flow controls, lab safety, and non-disruptive building operations. GreenerU estimates diversion of approximately 907 MTCO2e per year as a result of these efforts. Each fume hood was retrofitted with both vertical and horizontal sash pane sensing to reduce air changes, while maintaining a safe environment. Fume hood minimum air flow, general exhaust, and variable-air-velocity supply were adjusted based on ANSI/AIHI Z9.5 and NIH guidelines. “Shut the Sash” stickers were placed on all fume hoods and training was provided to all laboratory faculty, staff, and students.
For water conservation and efficiency: Two 75 kW combined heat and power co-generation units to satisfy portions of building electrical and hot water demands. A chemical inventory program was recently implemented, and chemical inventory sharing and equipment sharing is recommended. Training includes recommendations on resource conservation.
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://www.wpi.edu/offices/environmental-health-safety
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