Stepping inside a research laboratory, on display are a few key types of equipment: microscopes, fume hoods, lab coats, and freezers. Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers regularly operate at temperatures around -80°C, preserving sensitive biological materials for research, and are massive energy strains. A single freezer consumes about 30 kilowatt-hours per day, roughly the same as an average American household. Multiplied by the 1,620 freezers located in labs across Penn’s campus, and the labs account for 37% of Penn’s carbon emissions—a bigger emitter than even offices, classrooms, and residence halls.

Labs have become a critical focus in Penn’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 4.0, leading to the development of a Green Labs Program. Supported by a collaboration between the Office of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) and the Penn Sustainability Office (PSO), Green Labs aims to enhance both safety and sustainability by educating and empowering lab staff to engage with greener practices. Read More on Penn Today.