Loyola Marymount University
IN-9: Green Laboratories

The Life Sciences Building features efficient fume hoods, electrical efficiency, and water saving devices. Procedures in place to keep the building more efficient include labels on the fume hoods, sinks, and light switches reminding students to shut them off when not in used to reduce usage.. In labs, the students are taught how to use the lab equipment and chemicals efficiently. They are taught how to properly dispose of toxic chemicals (i.e. never down the drains) and to use appropriate amounts as to not waste them. The materials used in labs are as sustainable as possible and they use as many multi-use materials as possible. Students are encouraged to bring their laptops to class to refer to the extensive lab manuals to avoid printing excessive pages out. At the beginning of the semester before every lab course begins, students are educated extensively on safe and sustainable lab practices and are tested on them to assure they understand. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department have signed the Green Chemistry Commitment, which formalizes the department's intention to move chemists toward safer, nontoxic, renewable chemistry and materials. In signing this agreement, chemistry professors at the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, commit to changing the education of tomorrow's scientists by pledging to follow the 12 principles of Green Chemistry which include: Ensuring students have an understanding of how chemicals affect the human health and the environment and to identify and assess molecular hazards. Giving students the ability to assess chemical products and processes in the laboratory and design greener alternatives when possible. Preparing students to serve society in their professional capacity as scientists through the incorporation of methods and chemicals that are safe for people and the environment.