Overcoming Behavioral Barriers to Sustainability in Labs

Many labs invest in energy-efficient equipment—but real change happens when behavioral habits shift to support sustainability. As Stephen Miller emphasized in our webinar, even the best technology is useless if not properly utilized.

So, how can labs encourage energy-conscious habits among researchers and staff?

📌 Turn off unused equipment – Conducting routine energy audits can help identify areas where simple changes, like turning off lab baths and incubators, lead to big savings.

📌 Use low-cost visual reminders – Color-coded stickers (e.g., red = close fume hood, green = safe position) can encourage best practices.

📌 Automate when possible – Simple motion sensor devices that control equipment or remind staff to turn things off can reduce energy waste.

📌 Foster a culture of sustainability – Encouraging small, daily changes can add up to thousands in energy savings each year.

The key to success? Empowering lab staff to take ownership of sustainability efforts and showing them that small actions make a big difference.

📺 Want to learn more? Watch the full webinar here: [YouTube Link]

‍