Lab Sustainability

Closing fume hood sashes is one of the biggest things you can do when working in the lab.  One fume hood can use as much as four houses worth of energy!  Please keep those sashes closed when not in use and save energy.

Lab equipment accounts for roughly 25% of the total energy used in research buildings. Please consider turning off equipment when not in use. Equipment like PCR machines and refrigerated centrifuges use a lot of energy when left running.

Freezers and refrigerators run 24/7, so we need to take care when choosing this equipment and make sure it is properly maintained.

1. Purchase and Energy Star Certified ultra-low temperature freezer and you will receive a utility rebate. 
2. Make sure your new ultra-low temperature freezer is added to the FAS Preventative Maintenance Plan.  This program provides annual cleanings and inspections of the freezers to save energy, improve equipment lifespan, and reduce freezer alarms.  Contact the Office for Sustainability to add your new freezer to the list. 
3. Sign up for the annual Freezer Challenge and earn points by defrosting freezers, cleaning out old samples, retire old freezers, and warming ULT freezers to -70 Celsius.  All of these things save energy and make your freezer last longer.  Learn about how the Hoekstra Lab in OEB won the National Championship in 2017 !

Lab equipment accounts for roughly 25% of the total energy used in research buildings. Please consider turning off equipment when not in use. Equipment like PCR machines and refrigerated centrifuges use a lot of energy when left running.

Some lights in the building are operated by sensing occupants in the spaces, and some operate manually. By identifying which lights in your space are manual and which are automatic, you can make your lab more energy efficient.

Due to regional restrictions on recycling, we must limit recycling in the labs. Cardboard and paper associated with research is acceptable to recycle in the labs, but all other general waste must be placed in the trash. As always, regulated waste must be placed in the appropriate bin. Refer to Harvard EH&S for information on lab waste.

1. In non-lab spaces, please follow the signage and Harvard’s waste guidelines for recycling, composting, and trash.
2. Small electronic and Universal waste can be disposed of just outside room 102.32 in the blue tube. For larger electronic and universal waste, please contact building manager Anthony Mantia, anthony_mantia@fas.harvard.edu, (617) 384-0698

The FAS Office of Physical Resources & Planning promotes waste reduction and reuse in the laboratories. Please consider using the resources below.

1. The FAS Lab Reuse Room (Temporarily Closed due to pandemic) is located a short walk away in the Biological Laboratories at 16 Divinity Avenue, room B083. This room is open to FAS staff and faculty to take items for free and donate useful equipment and consumables. Please follow the rules posted on the door. For example, do not put broken or contaminated items in this space.
2. Lab Freecycle events (temporarily postponed due to pandemic) are hosted roughly twice per year on the FAS campus. These events encourage lab staff to clean out unwanted items and equipment that may be useful to others. Information about these events is distributed by building administration.

For assistance in donating lab equipment, please contact the Office for Sustainability or your department administrator.

For assistance in donating lab equipment, please contact the Office for Sustainability or your department administrator.

• Capital equipment with a Harvard sticker or other asset tag must first be approved by the Division of Science. Please contact Science Equipment Administration

Harvard Recycling Services in partnership with the Harvard Ed Portal sponsors University Fixit Clinic events where community members can bring in broken items or call with questions. Follow the Office for Sustainability Events webpage to find an upcoming event.