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Sustainability Sustainability
  1. Sustainability
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  3. Green Your Lab

Green Labs graphic

Green Labs Program

The UC San Diego Green Labs program educates and assists in the implementation of sustainable practices in campus laboratories while prioritizing the safeguarding of research. The program strives to foster a culture of sustainability in campus laboratories, ensuring that research excellence and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand. By providing education, resources and support, the program seeks to empower principal investigators, lab managers and students to incorporate sustainable practices into their everyday research.

Office Hours

Green Labs office hours occur on the first Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. in the Climate Action Lab in Sixth College (Ground Floor, Arts & Humanities Building). Office hours are open to currently participating labs and groups interested in participating. Lunch provided. View the Sustainability Events Calendar for details.

SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE

Annual Sustainability Theme

Each year, the program focuses on a specific sustainability theme, providing in-depth education and support to help laboratories address key environmental challenges. ENERGY is the 2024–2025 theme. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about energy-saving strategies, monitor ongoing energy usage and implement energy-efficient solutions in their laboratories.

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Green Lab Energy Certification

Research groups that participate in the program and complete energy-saving actions receive Green Lab Energy Certification. The certification process chart appears below.

Green Labs Certification Process Chart

Certification Steps

To complete the Green Labs certification, participants will:

  1. Attend a Green Labs office hours session.
  2. Review the Sustainable Action Items Checklist (Excel).
  3. Select the Action Items that your lab plans to complete. You must complete:
    1. 5 out of 7 easy items
    2. 4 out of 7 medium items
    3. 3 out of 7 hard items
  4. As your lab completes each Action Item, mark it using the checkboxes on the spreadsheet.
  5. Upload "multiple means of expression" as proof of completion to your lab's folder. Multiple means of expression include (need one piece of "proof" for each action);
    • Picture (e.g.: photo from a team meeting, screen capture, before and after comparison...)
    • Write up (description of activity, feedback from lab members after implementing, etc.)
    • Video
    • Meeting notes
  6. Once your lab has met the required Action Items, notify the certification team at greenlabs@ucsd.edu for staff to review and confirm your certification.

How long does the certification take?

Green Labs certification should take about one academic quarter to complete. However, depending upon how much time is dedicated to completing the checklist, certification can also be completed in as little as one month.

How does my group receive the $1,500 rebate for fridges and freezers?

Research groups must complete Green Lab Energy Certification in order to receive the rebate. The rebate is eligible for the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® fridge or freezer. Please note the purchase must replace an existing fridge or freezer. Labs will first purchase the equipment at its full price, then complete the Rebate Request Form. This form requires a copy of receipt of the new purchase, the ID number for the device being replaced and your chart string account number.

Participation Benefits

By participating in the UC San Diego Green Labs program, laboratories can:

  • Access education, resources and support to implement sustainable practices
  • Improve laboratory efficiency, research safety and reduce costs
  • Receive recognition as a laboratory sustainability champion
  • Reduce environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for the UC San Diego community

Participation Incentives

  • $1,500 rebate on the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® fridge or freezer (Please note the purchase must replace an existing fridge or freezer.)
  • Green Labs goodie bag containing items helpful for creating more sustainable habits and completing certification
  • Customized smart plug monitoring and dashboards in partnership with DERConnect
  • Community recognition for your commitment to sustainability

Resources

Previously Certified Labs

Before the 2024 Green Labs program relaunch, these labs were certified between 2016 and 2023.

Questions?

Contact greenlabs@ucsd.edu.