Sustainable labs

Sustainable Labs

Overview

The Sustainability Office consulted with students, faculty and staff to create a comprehensive guide that provides lab users with the tools they need to create sustainable behaviours within and beyond lab settings. 

The certification form is divided into six sections:

  1. Energy conservation
  2. Water conservation/management
  3. Waste reduction
  4. Chemical management
  5. Procurement
  6. Lab culture

Who can certify

The certification is intended to be completed by authorized lab personnel. For example, lab managers, technicians or principal investigators.

Certification levels

Bronze: 20–45% of available points scored

Silver: 46–65% of available points scored

Gold: 66–84% of available points scored

Platinum: 85% + of available points scored

Ready to get certified?

Reviewed the steps above? Begin the process of certifying your lab or check out the leaderboard to see how others have performed!

Get certified
View leaderboard

Program highlights

Getting started

Before starting the certification form, review  the recommended actions below to improve sustainability in your lab.

  • Fume hood sash procedures are implemented.
  • Unneeded/unused fume hoods are hibernated.
  • Freezer clean-outs are conducted frequently.
  • Freezer temperatures are adjusted to appropriate temperatures.
  • Equipment and materials are shared between labs.
  • Unused equipment is unplugged.
  • Equipment that uses timers is manually shut off when not in use.
  • Reminder stickers and posters are displayed in the lab (for example, shut off lights and turn off monitors).
  • Water conservation initiatives are taken (for example, installing aerators on faucets).
  • Corrosive and hazardous materials are collected for disposal.
  • Dishwashers are only run when full.
  • Gloves are used only when necessary/appropriate, or thinner gloves (whenever safe) are used.
  • Packaging is reused when shipping from the lab.
  • Plastic use is minimized and replaced with glass or other materials.
  • Chemical waste prevention is prioritized.
  • The least energy-intensive chemical route is chosen for experiments.
  • Best practice procurement guides are consulted before ordering new lab materials or equipment.
  • Sustainable equipment and materials are purchased.
  • Equipment and materials are sourced from vendors that reduce packaging/use sustainable packaging.
  • Energy and rebate programs are used.

Resources

Lab best practices

Freezer management

  • Purchase energy-efficient equipment
  • Conduct freezer clean-outs annually to avoid overcrowding
  • Ensure the freezer has enough ventilation space and clean the dust off the coils at the back of the freezer
  • Adjust the setting of the freezers from -80C to -70C, if -80C conditions are not needed
  • Sharing cold rooms offers better energy performance, back-up emergency power, heat recovery, and more efficient use of space

Fume hoods

  • Sash is shut when not in use to contain substances
  • Conduct regular spot checks to ensure that lab users implement proper fume hood sash closing behaviour
  • Request for unneeded or unused fume hoods to be hibernated

Lighting and power

  • Use multi-outlet strips in workspaces to reduce miscellaneous plug loads
  • Disconnect unused equipment to reduce the electrical plug load
  • Turn off laboratory equipment when not in use, especially anything with a heating function (for example, heating blocks, microscopes)
  • Use timers on equipment so that they automatically turn off when not in use
  • Use ‘power-down’ and ‘lights out’ reminder stickers on laboratory computers and beside light switches
  • Immediately report leaky faucets to building maintenance
  • Shut off taps when not in use
  • Use low-flow aerators on faucets
  • Only run dishwashers at full capacity
  • Limit the production from reverse osmosis distilled water systems to what is needed for research
  • Use glassware instead of plasticware
  • Purchase from vendors that reduce their packaging or use more sustainable packaging
  • Invest in long-lasting items and equipment that will not have to be replaced frequently
  • Create inventory management checklists to avoid spoilage or overpurchasing
  • Collaborate with other labs to share resources such as unused equipment, reagents/chemicals, or consumables
  • Recycle items that cannot be reused. Provide resources for proper recycling (for example, washing instructions and acceptable items)
  • Prioritize the prevention of chemical waste
  • Minimize the use of temporary derivatives
  • Design chemicals that degrade and can be discarded easily
  • Take advantage of energy/appliance rebate programs for appliances and equipment
  • Consult energy-efficient procurement purchasing guides, if applicable
  • Use the 4-R hierarchy (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle) before purchasing, and consider lifecycle thinking when selecting research equipment or laboratory supplies

Useful links

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.’ The SDGs were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030.

Certification form

Get certified!

Ready to get your lab certified? Follow these easy steps!

  1. Review the program overview, highlights and resources information.
  2. Select the ‘Get Certified’ button below.
  3. Sign in using your UTORid to launch the certification form and follow the instructions.
  4. Submit the form and await review and confirmation from the Sustainability Office.
  5. Receive your certificate package (certificate, badge/ribbon and quick resource guide).
  6. Review your results and program resources to improve your score next year!

Please complete the form in one session, as the form cannot be saved partway. We recommend you use a laptop or desktop to complete the form.

Certification is valid for one year, and the program will be updated and improved annually to ensure alignment with sustainability best practices.

Get certified
Sustainable events