While the green movement is receiving less attention now than it has in recent years, it was able to take root with regulators who have become less tolerant of practices found to harm the environment. Many lab managers believe that adjusting their processes now may be more economically efficient and less disruptive to their work than racing to meet regulatory deadlines in the future.

Dr. Michael D. Hopkins talks to Tanuja Koppal, contributing editor to Lab Manager Magazine, about his experiences and involvement in renovating the Searle Chemistry Building at the University of Chicago.

As energy prices rise and commitment to sustainability heightens, universities across the nation are developing methods for reducing energy consumption.

 Labs have begun to look at green initiatives as a way to attract top talent as they become more competitive in addressing the world’s needs. 

Whether vacuum is utilized for analytical purposes in corporate R&D or in government or university laboratory settings, those who depend on vacuum pumps do not expect vacuum to have color. However, in very significant and measurable ways, vacuum can be green.

With the aim of increasing sample integrity, designers have looked at cold storage energy sinks, associated components and subsystems to increase system efficiency. As a result, a new breed of cold storage provides greater sample protection while being kinder to the environment.

Instituting economical ways to save electricity could save about three quarters of the electricity consumed in the U.S. at an average cost of about one cent per kilowatt-hour, according to Amory Lovins, chairman and chief scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute.

ARUP Laboratories' Corporate Responsibility Program has produced impressive results in the areas of recycling, reusing, and reducing, increased employee involvement and enthusiasm, positive client feedback, and community support and recognition.

Laboratory managers can play a leading role in implementing improvements in research process and facility management. When coupled with lean thinking, these objectives can become powerful tools for change with an eye toward sustainability.