Slashing Lab Plug Load Emissions: Easy Ways to Create a Greener Lab

As researchers and scientists, we have the power to make a real difference in the fight against climate change. By making a few simple tweaks to our lab equipment usage and maintenance practices, we can dramatically reduce our energy consumption and create a more sustainable future. Let's dive into some easy ways to slash our lab's plug load emissions!

Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Freezers: Chill Out and Save Energy

ULT freezers are notorious energy hogs, but we can tame them with a few simple tricks. First, adjust the temperature setpoint from a chilly -80°C to a still-frosty -70°C. This small change can lead to big energy savings without compromising your precious samples. Don't forget to give your ULT freezers some TLC with an annual preventative maintenance inspection and follow up on any suggested fixes. Keep those air filters clean by checking and replacing them monthly, and give your freezers a much-needed annual defrost.

Biosafety Cabinets: Turn Off, Close Up, and Save

Biosafety cabinets are another area where small changes can make a big impact. Ditch those UV lamps or only use them when absolutely necessary for spills or contamination, and even then, only for 20 minutes tops. When you're done working, turn off the lights and fan, and close the sash to keep energy waste at bay.

Other Lab Equipment: Timers, Programs, and Smart Habits

Create a lab-wide habit of turning off thermal cyclers, ovens, heat blocks, power supplies, plate readers, and refrigerated centrifuges at the end of each workday. Install timers on heat blocks, water baths, and other equipment to automatically shut them off at night and turn them on when you're ready to start your day. Take a closer look at your PCR programs and eliminate any unnecessary 4°C hold times at the end.

Refrigeration Units: Keep 'Em Cool and Efficient

Don't let your lab refrigerators work harder than they have to! Make sure they're well-maintained and have plenty of breathing room to dissipate heat. This will keep them running efficiently and slash energy consumption.

By putting these easy changes into action, we can make a huge dent in our lab's plug load emissions and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. It's up to us to lead the charge and create a cleaner, greener lab environment.

Call to Action: Join the Lab Sustainability Revolution!

Ready to take your lab's sustainability to the next level? Follow LabReNew on LinkedIn for more game-changing tips, tricks, and strategies to create a greener lab. Together, we can revolutionize the way we work and create a brighter, more sustainable future for our labs and our planet. Let's do this!

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