Green Labs Program
At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), our commitment to groundbreaking research goes hand in hand with our dedication to sustainability and safety. Laboratories are vital to our academic and research missions but are also among the most resource-demanding spaces on campus. They use significantly more energy and water per square foot when compared to office and classroom spaces and generate substantial amounts of waste, including hazardous materials.
The Green Labs program at VCU is designed to support and guide lab personnel in integrating sustainability into their daily operations. Our goal is to reduce the environmental impact of our labs while maintaining the highest standards of research excellence and safety.
Ultra Low Temperature Freezer Initiative
The Ultra Low Temperature Freezer Program at VCU aims to reduce energy consumption by encouraging labs to raise their ultra-low temperature freezer settings from -80°C to -70°C. This initiative also emphasizes regular freezer maintenance and effective inventory storage management to lower energy use and extend the life of freezers used on campus.
Fume Hood Safety and Efficiency Program
The Fume Hood Safety and Efficiency Program at VCU aims to enhance user safety and reduce energy consumption by promoting regulatory compliance and best practices. The program ensures that all fume hoods meet minimum safety standards, including functioning audible and visual flow alarms, proper airflow (80-120 fpm face velocity), and clear signage reminding users to shut-the-sash. It also requires annual certification per ANSI/ASHRAE-110 and regular maintenance for every fume hood on campus.
Chemical Inventory Management and Waste Minimization
Utilizing our SciShield Chemtracker management system, we aim to minimize chemical waste generated in VCU labs through improved chemical inventory management. Implementing this accurate and user-friendly system, alongside improved training, will help us optimize chemical usage, reduce waste, lower disposal costs, and enhance lab safety.
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