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There are a variety of other ways to reduce the environmental impact of your lab space. Some of these are outlined below.

 

Energy-Efficient Equipment

  • Investing in energy-efficient lab equipment can reduce the daily energy consumption of your lab. Look for certifications like Energy Star when purchasing new equipment.
  • Turn off equipment when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy consumption and help your equipment last longer.
  • You can visit the Energy Star website to see energy efficient equipment options.

Water Conservation

  • Installing low-flow faucets and fixtures can reduce water usage.
  • Be smart with autoclaves by consolidating loads and buying the appropriate size and model.
  • Consider implementing a recirculating water system for equipment that requires continuous water flow.
  • Regularly check for and repair leaks in plumbing and equipment. If there are issues with leaks in your lab, submit a work order.

Green Chemistry

  • Adopt green chemistry principles to reduce the use of hazardous substances and minimize the environmental impacts of chemical reagents.
  • Opt for less harmful solvents and reagents when possible.
  • You can evaluate how green your chemistry is here.

Digitalization

  • Reduce paper usage by digitalizing records, notes, and protocols.
  • Use electronic lab notebooks instead of paper ones.