The UW Green Laboratory Certification program recognizes labs that maintain their commitment to Sustainability. We’re happy to highlight the Electron Microprobe Lab at the University of Washington, which has been certified Gold two years running!
I was lucky to sit down with Dr. Scott Kuehner, research scientist in Earth and Space Sciences to learn about the Electron Microprobe Lab's green practices.
In 1999, the lab switched from paper data collection to digital data collection, which has saved considerable paper over the years and also made data easier to store and share as well.
When asked why the Electron Microprobe Lab applied for Green Lab Certification, Dr. Kuehner said: “The lab had already adopted many of the Green certification practices, so why not certify? The application was easy and you get a nice award to put up in your office too, not to mention the free coffee!”
Research labs often have higher energy needs than other spaces on UW's campus, and small practices to improve lab efficiency add up to have a big impact to the university's overall environmental footprint. Simply by discussing sustainability within your lab, you can help make the UW more environmentally friendly. The Green Laboratory Certification Program has resources available to advance sustainable lab operations, and we love to see labs promote your own green efforts and innovations to inspire others to be sustainable.
Interested in Green Lab Certification? Contact us or apply at sustainability.uw.edu/labs
