Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Green Labs: Program Framework, Successes and Challenges

Laboratories present some of the biggest opportunities as well as challenges when it comes to sustainability. They are the largest waste and utility users on a per-square footage basis, providing numerous high-impact projects that could reduce the environmental impacts. Sustainability projects also need to ensure that these critical laboratory programs are only positively affected by any operational changes.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s (MSK’s) Green Labs program launched over 10 years ago. Cross-departmental committee meetings, key programmatic efforts including Green Labs Certification and Shut the Sash, and an internal webpage/resource hub have helped to create and sustain the program. Additionally, projects including the Labs Energy Efficiency Checklist and Labs Recycles Guide continue to improve and expand efforts. The webinar will provide an overview of MSK’s Green Labs framework and programmatic success and challenges.

Presenter: Jennifer Silkowitz
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
11:00 am-12:00 pm EDT

The Path to Zero

Most of today’s labs have a commonality in that they use traditional engineered control systems that have extremely high Energy Use Intensity (EUI). Specifically, ducted fume hoods rely on continuous high airflow to contain contaminants, waste large volumes of conditioned air and are energy-intensive to operate. Filtered fume hoods employ highly efficient containment and filtration through either Carbon filtration or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) and, at times, a combination of both depending on the application handlings performed within the fume hood. 

Filtered fume hoods can also improve lab spatial efficiency by requiring less space between hoods and even reducing floor-to-ceiling height as well as reducing the required space from MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) equipment increasing the usable gross square footage. Their use enables sustainable lab design through several pathways: 

• Reduced ventilation make-up air requirements, minimizing conditioning and heat gain 
• Reduced chemical and material consumption through more focused containment at the source 
• Enhanced researcher comfort and productivity in labs with reduced air turbulence 
• Increase the ability for flexibility within the lab for the changes in the customer’s workflow requirements 
• Reduce the carbon footprint with average Co2 reductions of > 20,000 lbs/year 

Learning outcomes: 

1. Typical engineered controlled systems in place—how they work and how can they be improved. 
2. How filtration can work together with current engineered, controlled systems to improve safety within the lab. 
3. Holistic approaches to safety throughout a chemical's life cycle, reducing exposure limits, increasing safety. 
4. Standards in place to enhance safety—with filtration.

Presenter: Jesse Coiro
Erlab, Inc.
12:30-1:30 pm EDT

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Building Sustainability in the Lab

Laboratories perform extremely important work in a vast number of different fields, but consume a vast amount of energy and resources. Lab managers need to understand the impact that their facilities have, and develop ways to reduce waste as well as water and energy usage. This presentation will offer concrete action items that lab managers and staff can implement in order to lessen their labs’ impact, and build a culture of sustainability within their workplaces.

Presenter: Scott Grant
My Green Lab
11:00 am-12:00 pm EDT

10 Steps to Green Your Lab

Are you interested in building laboratories that prioritizes cutting-edge research and sustainability? Thought about implementing a Green Lab program, but not sure where to start? We've got you covered. In this session, our speaker will explore key strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of labs, from reducing electricity usage to switching to glass labware. You'll also learn how to engage with stakeholders and tap into the greater green lab community to maximize your impact. These practical tips and tools will equip you to launch a successful and sustainable lab program that benefits both your institute's research and the planet.

Presenter: Fanny Yuen
Green Your Lab
12:30-1:30 pm EDT