Case Western Reserve University
IN-9: Green Laboratories

The Green Labs program is run through the Office for Sustainability through a team of students that administer audits to selected labs on campus. The student teams assess factors such as recycling, energy and other sustainability topics (Below is a list of the some of those topics and a sample of the questions that are asked; the audit questionnaire can be found at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFwOga839H0v6cjKcgylTMrciR2_x64jBYCqRZhje4zVGWVg/formResponse) . Lab managers or another representative complete an online checklist and the auditing teams install energy use and other monitoring sensors to help determine how each lab can reduce its environmental footprint. Labs that complete the requirements and go through the process are certified gold, silver or copper. Following the completion of the audit, the student audit team provides an educational presentation and full report to each participating lab on their findings with suggestions for improvement. Sections included and sampling of questions: o Fume Hoods o Does the lab need all the fume hoods it currently has in their space? o Are fume hood sashes kept closed when not in use and lowered when in use? o Freezers and Refrigerators o Are freezers defrosted on regular basis? o Are any of your refrigerators/ freezers Energy Star rated? o Source Reduction o Does the lab buy energy efficient or energy star equipment (other than refrigerators or freezers) when available? o Does the lab purchase products that are manufactured from recycled materials or which are reusable when possible? o Water Conservation o Does lab make an effort/ have a plan to conserve water with water conservation techniques? o Does the lab limit water flow through by utilizing aerators and water misers? o Chemical Use and Disposal o Does the lab use green chemistry methods? o Has your lab exchanged all the mercury thermometers for non-mercury thermometers? o Shipping and Mail o Does the lab use reusable or recyclable mailing envelopes, boxes and packaging material? o Does the lab return packaging material to vendors when possible? * o Recycling o Does the lab regularly recycle paper and reuse paper that has only been printed on one side? o Does the lab employ practices that limit paper printing, such as using the Google Drive for shared documents, keeping meeting agendas digital, double-sided printing, etc.? o Does the lab recycle e-waste via the University's online form? o Communication and Education o Does the lab have a green team representative? o Do lab members get recognized for their environmental stewardship efforts? o Work-Related Travel & Field Work o Do the lab members travel locally for work? o When members travel locally, do they use sustainable travel options such as public transport, car pooling, bike, foot, hybrid options etc. ? Do they consolidate trips ? o Building HVAC System + Thermal Comfort o Does the lab have window blinds? o Does the lab or office space have any small personal heaters?