Sustainable Labs
Labs on campus consume huge amounts of energy and produce a lot of waste. In fact, labs can use 5-10 times more energy than office spaces and produce an estimated 5.5 million tons of plastic waste per year (~2% of all plastic waste produced globally). This means there are big upsides in making your lab more sustainable!
We are here to certify your lab as sustainable; provide waste, energy, and purchasing tips; and help you get involved with programs like Lab Reuse and the Freezer Challenge.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for tips and program updates! You can also peruse previous newsletters.
Sustainable Lab Certification
Are you curious about sustainable opportunities for your lab? Are you unsure what actions to take in your workplace for the biggest sustainable impact? The Sustainable Lab certification is for you!
This self-guided form will allow you to identify opportunities, benchmark against other labs, and connect to resources. This program will ultimately earn you a sustainability rating (from Bronze to Platinum) and public recognition for your efforts!
Once the form is submitted, an OCSI staff member will work with you to assess next steps to achieving your sustainability rating.
Upcoming Events
- Sustainable Labs Catch-Up Cafe: August 4, 2026 10-11am // Come network with like-minded researchers, share feedback for FY 27 programming, and enjoy coffee and pastries
- Lab Equipment Fix-It Cafe: September 22, 2026 10am-1pm // If you have broken benchtop equipment in need of small repairs, this is the event for you! Clean out your lab and bring carriable items to the Swap Shop to see if they can diagnosed and repaired. Let us know if you have the technical expertise to help with repairs!
- Climate Week 2026: September 26-October 3 // The Sustainable Labs Program events include the launch of the NCRC Swap Shop (B20-11N) on September 29 from 1-3pm and Creative Reuse at the NUB Swap Shop (room 5004) on October 1 from 1-3pm.
Safer Chemicals/Green Chemistry
- Consider using safer alternatives to ethidium bromide for DNA research. GelRed and SYBR Safe can safely be washed down a sink drain, whereas ethidium bromide has to be disposed of as hazardous waste (not to mention being a health hazard, especially to pregnant women).
- Become familiar with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry
- Review the safer solvents substitution list.
- Use the Millipore Sigma DOZN tool for reaction-specific green chemistry improvements.
Additional Action Ideas
- Become a My Green Lab Ambassador.
- Want to see sustainability included in grant applications? Sign the Million Advocates for Sustainable Science petition.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Resources
Guidance to identify the most impactful actions for your lab
Specialty recycling programs, packaging waste, and tips to reduce waste on the front end!
Easy equipment adjustments to save energy
How to prioritize sustainability while purchasing supplies and equipment
Donate or receive gently used surplus lab supplies and equipment
A competition to improve your cold storage practices
Learn about how the program has supported labs across the Ann Arbor campus
Sustainable Research Advisory Committee
The Sustainable Research Advisory Committee brings together experts from across campus to find solutions for complex sustainable labs problems. They already addressed single-use lab plastics and equipment sharing. Join the committee today to help advance research while protecting the planet.
Committee Deliverables
Committee Members
Anne McNeil, LSA
Sara Rivera, LSA
Sara Smith, Medical School
Erin Bigelow, Medical School
Cindy DeLong, Medical School
Tessa Casselman, Medical School
Kristin LeSueur, U-M Health
Antigone Wilson, LSA
Jillian Myers, LSA
Pam Schultz, LSI
Sarah Spanninga, Biointerfaces Institute
Mariah Gavin, OVPR
Jennie Lovett, Medical School
Syahidah Mohd Khairi, College of Engineering