The electricity required to keep a computer running 24 hours a day and seven days a week can cost up to $600 per year. Add to that the electricity consumption of lighting, fume hoods, and other lab equipment, and a research lab quickly becomes very energy-intensive and expensive. Fortunately, a few simple behaviors can greatly reduce a lab’s energy consumption, which can take a slice out of its carbon footprint, not to mention the University’s utility bills.
The Neitzel lab recently learned about cutting energy consumption, proper recycling procedures, chemical disposal, and more as part of the process to become a “Sustainable Lab” under the Office of Campus Sustainability Sustainable Lab Recognition Program. Dr. Sudhakar Reddy, the program’s coordinator, presented the award at our lab meeting last Friday.
To learn more about the program and take steps to get your lab certified, contact Dr. Sudhakar Reddy at 763-4615 (redv@umich.edu). If you’re not part of a lab (or even if you are), and still want to learn what you can do for the planet, check out UM’s Planet Blue Ambassador Certification Program. The program consists of five educational modules that teach and encourage sustainable behaviors, and aim to foster a culture of sustainability on campus.
Exposure Research Lab 