According to Accenture's COVID-19 Consumer Research,1 which surveyed 8,529 consumers across 19 countries in June 2020, 67 percent of respondents expect companies to prioritize long-term, sustainable, and equitable solutions in the post-crisis era. Aligned with consumer demand for sustainability, laboratories are increasingly committed to green practices. In 2024, over 3,000 labs worldwide joined the Freezer Challenge2, an event focused on promoting energy efficiency in cold storage management. By integrating sustainable practices into their operations and strategies, laboratories can meet consumers and staff expectations and position themselves as leaders in innovation and environmental responsibility.
One effective approach to reducing a lab's environmental footprint is repurposing existing facilities with sustainable systems or renovating buildings to align with eco-friendly practices. These strategies lower energy consumption and demonstrate a lab's commitment to environmental stewardship.
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This article explores how temperature control equipment like incubators, refrigerators, and freezers can contribute to a more sustainable lab. We also discuss strategies laboratories can implement to reduce the environmental impact of these assets.
Challenges of running a sustainable lab
Laboratories are essential for advancing scientific research and conducting critical testing. However, they consume significantly more energy and generate far more waste than typical commercial buildings.3 The energy demands are driven by the use of specialized equipment, intensive heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and strict safety measures, including high ventilation rates and continuous operation of safety devices. Additionally, labs generate considerable waste, including hazardous materials, single-use plastics, and electronic components.
Balancing operational efficiency and sustainability is no easy task for those managing a lab. The need for reliable, high-performance equipment often conflicts with efforts to minimize energy use and waste. However, addressing these challenges is essential to reducing a lab's environmental footprint without compromising the quality of research, clinical operations, or industrial processes.
The role of incubators, refrigerators, and freezers in lab sustainability
While temperature control equipment such as incubators and freezers are vital to lab operations, they are significant contributors to energy use and environmental impact. Labs can make meaningful steps toward sustainability by choosing efficient equipment and adopting more environmentally friendly asset management practices.
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Choose models with energy-saving features
Modern freezers, refrigerators, and incubators are designed with energy-saving features that minimize power use while maintaining the precise conditions required for sample storage and incubation. These features include advanced insulation materials, energy-efficient compressors, adaptive cooling technologies, and low-energy defrost cycles. Together, they help laboratories lower utility costs while minimizing their environmental impact.
For example, energy-efficient freezers often incorporate faster temperature recovery systems that stabilize internal conditions quickly after door openings. This prevents unnecessary strain on the cooling system and reduces overall energy consumption. High-performance insulation also minimizes heat transfer, ensuring less energy is required to maintain ultra-low temperatures.
Similarly, refrigerators with adaptive temperature controls can adjust their cooling cycles based on real-time usage patterns. For instance, when a refrigerator detects periods of inactivity (such as overnight), it can reduce its energy use without compromising the stability of stored samples. This intelligent approach to power management results in energy savings over time.
Incubators have also seen advancements in energy-efficient technology. Modern models often include features like advanced air circulation systems that evenly distribute heat while using less power. Some incubators also come with low-energy humidity controls and LED lighting, further optimizing energy use without affecting culture growth or experimental outcomes.
Evaluate mechanical vs non-mechanical freezers for sustainability
When selecting a freezer for your laboratory, assess whether a mechanical or non-mechanical freezer better aligns with your sustainability and operational goals.
Non-mechanical freezers rely on consumables like dry ice or liquid nitrogen to achieve ultra-low temperatures. These freezers often have a lower direct energy footprint since they do not use electricity for cooling. However, the sourcing, transportation, and disposal of cryogenic materials affect their sustainability profile. These logistical demands can also increase costs and complicate operations, particularly in labs with high throughput or limited storage capacity.
Mechanical freezers, though more energy-intensive to operate, remove the need for consumables, thus eliminating recurring purchases and reducing logistical challenges.
Ultimately, the choice between mechanical and non-mechanical freezers should be guided by your laboratory's specific sustainability goals and operational needs, balancing direct energy savings against the broader implications of consumable use and management.
Prioritize equipment with extended lifecycle
Sustainability extends beyond daily operations. The acquisition, use, and disposal of temperature control equipment all impact a lab's environmental footprint.
When purchasing new equipment, prioritize models with durable designs and modular components that extend lifespan and simplify repairs. Implement routine maintenance schedules to extend operational lifespan and reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns.
When equipment reaches the end of its life, prioritize responsible disposal methods, such as recycling programs or take-back initiatives offered by manufacturers. Labs can significantly reduce waste and lower their environmental footprint by choosing repairable and recyclable options.
ENERGY STAR®: a benchmark for sustainable equipment
The US Environmental Protection Agency has established specifications for energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers designed for laboratory use. The program aims to help labs identify equipment that conserves energy and lowers operational costs without compromising performance.
Over 75 types of products, ranging from appliances and electronics to lighting, heating, cooling, and commercial equipment, are eligible for the ENERGY STAR label. The certification process involves three steps:
Step 1: Testing
Manufacturers must first demonstrate that their products meet ENERGY STAR specifications by undergoing testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. This testing ensures that energy efficiency does not come at the expense of performance.
For example, ultra-low temperature freezers are evaluated for their energy-saving capabilities and tested to ensure they maintain precise and consistent temperatures essential for sample integrity. This ensures that energy efficiency does not compromise the performance needed for critical laboratory applications.
Step 2: Independent review
An impartial EPA-recognized certification body then reviews the results of the product testing. These third-party organizations assess whether the product meets all program requirements and qualifies for the ENERGY STAR label. Both the certification bodies and the testing laboratories must meet international accreditation standards to maintain credibility.
Step 3: Ongoing testing
Certification does not end once a product earns the ENERGY STAR label. Products are subject to additional "off-the-shelf" testing after they hit the market. This ensures that certified products consistently meet ENERGY STAR criteria, giving consumers confidence in their energy efficiency claims.
The ENERGY STAR label, included on most qualifying models, simplifies identifying compliant freezers. You can also consult an online database4 to confirm the certification of a specific unit.
Balancing performance and sustainability
Sustainability in the lab is no longer an option—it is necessary for organizations wanting to remain relevant and competitive. Incubators, refrigerators, and freezers play a central role in this effort, offering opportunities to cut energy use, minimize waste, and align with green initiatives.
By focusing on energy efficiency, selecting the right type of equipment, and prioritizing certifications like ENERGY STAR, labs can reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing reliability and precision. This dedication to sustainability enables labs to inspire change, foster innovation, and contribute to a healthier planet.
References:
- Accenture. "Delivering on the Promise of Sustainability: Seizing the Business Opportunity." https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/a-com-migration/pdf/pdf-150/accenture-delivering-on-the-promise-of-sustainability.pdf. Published 2021.
- Lab manager. “Turning Cold Storage into a Catalyst for Change”. https://www.labmanager.com/turning-cold-storage-into-a-catalyst-for-change-33223. Published Dec 2024.
- Nowak, Paweł Mateusz, et al. "Carbon footprint of the analytical laboratory and the three-dimensional approach to its reduction." Green Analytical Chemistry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772577423000034#bib0006. Published March 2023.
- ENERGY STAR. "ENERGY STAR Product Finder. "https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/. Accessed 21 January 2025