# Lab Sustainability Did you know? Labs at Harvard account for nearly 44% of the University’s energy use but only take up 20% of the space. ## expand\_more The resources provided on this page are meant to help students, faculty, and staff improve their sustainability footprint while working in Northwest Labs & MCZ Laboratories. For sustainability questions, please contact the [Office for Sustainability](mailto:sustainability@harvard.edu). ## Energy Ideas ### Shut the Sash expand\_more 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. ### Turn Off Lab Equipment expand\_more 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. ### Manage Cold Storage Reagents Efficiently expand\_more 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](https://www.energystar.gov/) 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](mailto:sustainability@harvard.edu) to add your new freezer to the list. 3. Sign up for the annual [Freezer Challenge](https://www.freezerchallenge.org/) 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 ](https://green.harvard.edu/news/harvards-hoekstra-lab-wins-national-green-labs-competition)! ### Turn Off Lab Equipment expand\_more 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. ### Turn Off Task Lighting When Not In Use expand\_more 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. ## Lab Waste Tips ### Only Recycle Paper & Cardboard in Labs expand\_more 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](https://www.energyandfacilities.harvard.edu/facilities-services/recycling-waste-management/waste-signage) and [Harvard’s waste guidelines](/https:/green.harvard.edu/topics/waste) 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](mailto:anthony_mantia@fas.harvard.edu), (617) 384-0698 ### Participate in Lab Reuse Programs expand\_more 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 ](mailto:sustainability@harvard.edu)or your department administrator. ### Donate Unused Lab Equipment expand\_more For assistance in donating lab equipment, please contact the [Office for Sustainability](mailto:sustainability@harvard.edu) 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](mailto:sciequip_admin@fas.harvardedu) ### Consider Repairing Old Lab Equipment Before Purchasing New expand\_more 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](https://green.harvard.edu/news-events) to find an upcoming event. ### Consider Using Green Chemistry Principles expand\_more Reduce the hazardous waste associated with your research by using online tools to select greener alternatives. Consider using the Sigma Aldrich [DOZN Green Chemistry Calculator](https://communities.acs.org/t5/GCI-Nexus-Blog/DOZN-A-Quantitative-Green-Chemistry-Evaluator/ba-p/16073) or the [MIT Green Chemical Alternatives Purchasing Wizard](https://ehs-apps.mit.edu/site/environmental-stewardship/green-chemistry). ## Harvard Sustainability Contacts **Contact the Office for Sustainability at** [**sustainability@harvard.edu**](mailto:sustainability@harvard.edu). ## University Sustainability Resources [Office for Sustainability](https://green.harvard.edu/) [Harvard Green Labs](https://green.harvard.edu/programs/green-labs) [Green Teams](https://green.harvard.edu/programs/green-teams) [Student Grants](https://green.harvard.edu/programs/student-grants) [Sustainable and Healthful Food Standards](https://green.harvard.edu/topics/food) [News & Events](https://green.harvard.edu/news-events)