Green Labs

Laboratories are one of the primary waste generators at universities around the world. Green laboratory initiatives offer great potential for reducing waste, saving energy, and improve safety.

SUSTAINABILITY OPPORTUNITY – FUME HOODS

Laboratory fume hoods capture and move hazardous materials away from workers and out the building and as such these protective devices present a significant energy saving opportunity. In Colorado, a single open fume hood can consume as much energy as one home. The high energy use is due to fresh, conditioned air constantly being exhausted through them to the outdoors. Most fume hoods at Mines are variable air volume (VAV). That means they are designed to vary the air flow based on how wide open is the sash height. An easy way to reduce the energy consumption of a fume hood is to SHUT THE SASH when not in use. Fume hood sashes provide an important SAFETY barrier between the experimental hazard(s) and the worker. Only open hood sashes to setup or modify an experiment, then close them again. Don’t store chemicals in a fume hood. Chemicals belong in a safety cabinet, which do not require huge volumes of air.

STAY SAFE. SAVE ENERGY. SHUT THE SASH!

 

GREEN LAB RESOURCES

Green Lab Certified

Mines laboratories are challenged to become Green Lab Certified. For more details, visit our Green Labs Certification page.

LAB WASTE

Mines offers lab recycling for nitrile gloves and other items. Explore our lab waste page for more information. 

Green Procurement Compilation

Explore tools and resources provided by the Federal government to promote cost-effective and sustainable acquisition during each phase of the procurement lifecycle.

GREEN LAB ORGANIZATIONS

International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories

The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) is devoted to the principles of sustainable laboratories, from design to engineering to operation.

My Green Lab

My Green Lab is a non-profit organization committed to encouraging sustainable lab practices. It offers green lab certification.

Lab Conscious

Lab Conscious helps scientists make their laboratory practices more sustainable. It regularly produces case studies on economical green lab initiatives.

ACS Green Chemistry Institute

Explore resources in green chemistry and engineering for industry professionals, educators, and students.