Set Up a Sustainable Lab

When setting up a new lab it is important to consider the impact that your equipment and supplies will have on the environment. A lab environment can consume up to 10 times the amount of energy as an office area of the same size. Carefully selecting equipment that can perform the same job but use fewer kilowatts can significantly reduce energy use. Also, buying alternative chemicals, or using processes that are not as detrimental to the environment can really add up when everyone on campus participates.

• When purchasing equipment for the lab, consider Energy Star qualified products. Lists of Energy Star qualified equipment, such as standard refrigerators can be found at : Energy Star Webpage.
• When purchasing supplies for the lab, consider purchasing green supplies. Green products must meet a certain environmental standard. A guide for buying green office supplies is provided by OU’s Office of Sustainability and can be found at OHIO Green Purchasing. A guide for purchasing green lab specific equipment and chemicals can be found on MIT’s website: Lab Green Purchasing Information
• If using task lights, consider compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) instead of traditional filament type bulbs.
• Most mercury spills are preventable by using non-mercury containing alternatives. Minimize the chance of a mercury spill by buying spirit type thermometers. If mercury type thermometers must be used, buy the Teflon coated type to prevent expensive spills.
• If throwing away large amounts of recyclable material (paper, glass, plastic, cardboard, etc.) consider putting recycling bins in your lab. To request recycling bins, contact Campus Recycling, recycle@ohio.edu or call 593-0231.

Risk Management & Safety 740.593.1666

Office of Sustainability 740.593.0460