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Environmentally Efficient Labs
Efficiency and Stewardship in NIH Laboratories
| Practicing stewardship in labs can improve operational and energy efficiency, reduce overall costs, lengthen equipment life, and reduce chances of hazardous incidents. The NEMS provides several programs and opportunities for labs to get active in stewardship initiatives. Below are 5 important resources for labs interested in environmental stewardship: |
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| Linked Resource | Description | Availability | Target | Host |
| Chemical Waste Recycling | This program reuses select expired chemicals, used oil, and other lab materials. Its benefits are threefold: it reduces chemical waste, reduces surplus chemicals, and provides free chemicals to labs in need. | All Year | Cost Reduction Inventory Management Waste Reduction | Waste and Resource Recovery Branch |
| Sustainable Lab Practices Working Group | This monthly meeting series increases awareness on environmental regulations and compliance, as well as offering an open-dialogue, liaison experience between the Division of Environmental Protection and IC research teams. | All Year | Information Sharing Operational Efficiency | Waste and Resource Recovery Branch |
| Green Labs Program | This assessment tool assists labs by increasing their awareness of the stewardship programs and opportunities available at the NIH. It also serves as edification for best management practices. | September - December | Cost Reduction Energy Efficiency Operational Efficiency Waste Reduction | Waste and Resource Recovery Branch |
| Green Labs Fair | This event exposes labs to a myriad of environmentally preferable vendors to help with procurement needs. From equipment to services, the Green Labs Fair promotes companies, NIH teams, and third-party groups that can help improve lab efficiency and stewardship. | September | Energy Efficiency Equipment Longevity Pollution Reduction | --- |
| NIH Freezer Challenge | This competition pushes labs to go above and beyond with their cold storage maintenance practices. Initiatives within the challenge improve cold storage unit energy efficiency and lifespan. | January - May | Cost Reduction Energy Efficiency Equipment Longevity Inventory Management | Energy and Quality Branch |
Please email green@mail.nih.gov if you are interested in joining the NEMS Sustainable Laboratory Practices Working Group.