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Sustainable labs

Sustainable Labs are programs that assist laboratories in reducing their carbon footprints without affecting the quality and safety of the research.

For innovative and sustainable solutions

Lab spaces are typically 4 to 5 times more energy intensive than classroom space. HÂþ»­ is a member of the U15 group of Canada’s most research-intensive universities and has more than 1,350 laboratory spaces across 4 campuses. 

Sustainable Labs are programs that assist laboratories in reducing their carbon footprints without affecting the quality and safety of the research. This collaborative strategy focuses on reducing energy, water consumption, and waste produced while increasing efficiency.

Biophysics researcher looking into scope in lab at HÂþ»­.

Goals

The Office of Sustainability’s goal is to develop standards, oversee their implementation, and inspire the many behavioural changes that are needed throughout the scientific community, including:

  • Reducing water and energy consumption 

  • Support life cycle costing and related benefits

  • Improving sustainable purchasing decisions 

  • Increasing waste reduction and source separation

  • Raising environmental, health impacts and protection awareness 

Details

Access more details on Sustainable Labs including:

  • How to get your lab certified through Dal's Sustainable Labs Certification Program.

  • Tips and educational content and materials for lab spaces to promote sustainable behaviour

  • Community practice sessions 

  • Information on sustainability and energy efficiency rebates your lab may be able to claim.

Scorecard

The Sustainable Labs Certification Program uses a self-assessed scorecard designed to help labs evaluate and improve their environmental practices. The scorecard covers eight categories:

  • Sustainability Engagement and Communications
  • Waste Management and Recycling
  • Sustainable Purchasing and Asset Management
  • Energy Conservation (including cold storage, fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, and gloveboxes)
  • Travel and Fieldwork
  • Green Chemistry and Biologics
  • Water Conservation
  • Innovation

Each category includes criteria, along with recommendations and resources to support labs in making improvements. The scorecard can be adopted by laboratories both within and beyond HÂþ»­.

Visit our to learn more about the certification process and how your lab can be recognized.

Email greenlabs@dal.ca for the interactive scorecard