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.