How to Boost Energy Efficiency in Laboratories with Simple Solutions

Without question, laboratories are among the most resource-intensive spaces. According to the National Energy Renewable Laboratory, the average lab consumes five to 10 times more energy per square foot than an office building. Specialty laboratories consume even more—as much as 100 times the energy of a similarly sized institutional or commercial structure. Based on these figures, it’s easy to see why regulatory bodies have turned their attention to laboratory energy consumption, and why governmental agencies such as the Department of Energy have set energy conservation standards for lab equipment.

But regulations aren’t the only reason laboratory managers are taking a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to equipment upgrades, management, and energy efficiency. Public perception has played an important role, with facilities looking to preserve their reputation. Beyond that, financial benefits, such as rebates and grants for energy-saving equipment, present labs with opportunities to offset costs while enhancing operational efficiency.

For laboratories everywhere, investing in energy-saving practices and equipment is more than just an ethical choice — it’s a strategic imperative that benefits both the planet and their bottom line.

What is energy-saving equipment?

The term “energy-saving equipment” broadly refers to any piece of laboratory equipment designed to minimize energy consumption without compromising on performance, safety, or functionality. Energy-saving equipment optimizes for one or more of the following:

Operational efficiency, which focuses on reducing consumption during regular use
Standby efficiency, which reduces energy waste when equipment is not actively in use
Process efficiency, which enhances the overall efficiency of laboratory processes and, as a result, reduces their energy consumption
Lifecycle efficiency, which considers energy use across the entire lifespan of the equipment

Examples of energy-saving equipment include:

Energy-efficient refrigerators, which utilize advanced insulation and compressors to reduce energy usage in cold storage applications
Variable air volume fume hoods, which adjust airflow dynamically based on sash position and room occupancy, reducing HVAC energy loads
Demand-controlled ventilation systems, which monitor room occupancy and adjust air changes per hour accordingly
LED lighting, which consumes a fraction of the energy used by traditional fluorescent or incandescent bulbs
Occupancy sensors, which automatically turn lights on or off based on room use
Autoclaves with built-in water recirculation systems, automatic steam supply shut-off when not in use, and calendar-based start-up and shut-down
High-efficiency centrifuges with low-power motors and shorter cycle times to decrease energy demands
Glassware washers made from recycled materials that consume substantially less water and energy per cycle
Smart incubators, which maintain precise temperature control with less energy by using advanced insulation and more efficient heating elements
Low and ultra-low freezers that use various technologies, including advanced microprocessor temperature control, variable speed compressors and innovative refrigerants

As a general note, when replacing existing laboratory equipment with more energy-efficient models, look for units with industry validations, such as My Green Labs’ ACT Label or ENERGY STAR certification. These validations demonstrate that the equipment in question adheres to strict sustainability standards and delivers unparalleled energy efficiency.

While investing in energy-saving equipment is a cornerstone of any sustainability initiative, it’s far from the only way for lab managers to reduce energy consumption within their facility.

Tips for reducing energy usage in your lab

Creating a more energy-efficient laboratory requires a multifaceted approach that balances conservation, operational efficiency, and lab safety.

One of the most impactful areas to focus on is HVAC system optimization, especially given that heating, cooling, and moving ventilation air account for 60 to 70 percent of total building energy use. Laboratories often over-ventilate as a precautionary measure, driving up energy consumption; lab managers can mitigate this by calibrating ventilation rates to meet actual safety requirements. Demand-controlled ventilation systems can dynamically adjust airflow based on occupancy and chemical activity. Similarly, retrofitting fume hoods with variable air volume technology enables airflow rates to drop when the sash is closed, decreasing energy waste without compromising safety.

Another critical focus is refrigeration and cold storage, as ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers and other cooling units are notorious energy hogs. To put things into perspective, King’s College London reported that its ULTs use up to 20 kWh per day, the equivalent of two UK households—and that’s without accounting for the energy used to cool the space the freezers occupy.

When it comes to refrigeration and cold storage, upgrading to more energy-efficient models is a good starting point, but routine maintenance is equally important. Regularly cleaning coils, optimizing temperature settings, and consolidating samples to reduce the number of units in operation can have a substantial impact. Adopting freezer management programs—such as eliminating unnecessary samples or sharing freezers amongst teams — further minimizes energy use.

Replacing existing fluorescent or incandescent lighting units with energy-efficient LED lighting is a simple yet effective way to immediately reduce energy consumption. By pairing LED lighting with motion-activated lighting systems, lab managers can avoid wasting energy in unoccupied spaces. For task-specific areas, consider using localized lighting rather than illuminating the entire room.

Lab managers can learn a great deal about energy consumption—and how to reduce it—by monitoring equipment usage. Usage data can reveal patterns of inefficiency within your facility, such as autoclaves running with partial loads or freezers operating under capacity, both of which can be addressed through scheduling adjustments, equipment consolidation, or optimized workflows. Usage data is also an essential tool when making strategic decisions about equipment maintenance, upgrades, or replacements. For example, instruments that consume disproportionate amounts of energy relative to their use are good targets for replacement with more energy-efficient models.

Speaking of instruments that consume disproportionate amounts of energy, certain pieces of equipment such as autoclaves often run continuously, even when not in use. To reduce unnecessary energy consumption, turn off idle equipment—either manually, using smart scheduling systems, or with automated controls and power-saving modes.

Water also plays a significant role in laboratory efficiency. Many labs still rely on single-pass cooling systems, which consume large quantities of water and energy. Switching to recirculating chillers not only conserves water but also reduces the amount of energy required to operate cooling systems. Making this switch, as well as investing in equipment with built-in water-saving features, can dramatically reduce your facility’s environmental footprint and its energy bill.

Last, though certainly not least, it may be in your best interest to conduct an energy audit to identify energy inefficiencies within existing laboratory workflows. Sub-metering individual areas of your facility or pieces of equipment can provide actionable data, enabling targeted improvements. The results of this audit, when paired with equipment usage data, can provide the foundation for future sustainability initiatives within your laboratory. Not only that but, depending on your results, your facility could qualify for financial incentives, such as LEED certification or the Smart Labs incentive program.