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Green Labs

The UC San Diego Green Labs program educates and assists in the implementation of sustainable practices in campus laboratories while prioritizing the safeguarding of research. The program strives to foster a culture of sustainability in campus laboratories, ensuring that research excellence and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand. By providing education, resources and support, the program seeks to empower principal investigators, lab managers and students to incorporate sustainable practices into their everyday research.

Interested in participating? Please complete the Interest Form and a Green Programs team member will contact you shortly.

Interest Form

Current Sustainability Theme

Each year, the program focuses on a specific sustainability theme, providing in-depth education and support to help laboratories address key environmental challenges. ENERGY is the current theme. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about energy-saving strategies, monitor ongoing energy usage and implement energy-efficient solutions in their laboratories.

Green Labs Energy Certified graphic

Green Lab Energy Certification

Research groups that participate in the program and complete energy-saving actions receive Green Lab Energy Certification. (Click on the certification process chart to view a larger image.)

Green Labs Certification Process Chart

Certification Steps

To complete the Green Labs Energy Certification, you must follow these steps:

  1. Book a site visit with Green Labs staff to learn about the certification process.
  2. After completing the site visit, you will get access to the UC San Diego Green Labs SharePoint site and sent the Energy Certification Checklist form.
  3. Through the form, select the action items that your lab plans to complete. You must complete:
    1. 5 out of 7 easy items
    2. 4 out of 7 medium items
    3. 3 out of 7 difficult items
  4. Upload means of expression, or proof of completion, to the corresponding spaces in the Energy Certification Checklist form. Means of expression may include photos, a brief write-up, video or meeting notes.
  5. Once the lab has completed the required Action Items, hit “submit” on the Energy Certification Checklist form.
  6. Green Labs staff will be notified of your form’s submission and subsequently review your materials to ensure they are complete.
  7. Research group achieves Energy Certification.

How long does the certification take?

Green Labs certification should take about one academic quarter to complete. However, depending upon how much time is dedicated to completing the checklist, certification can also be completed in as little as one month.

How does my group receive the $1,500 rebate for fridges and freezers?

Research groups must complete Green Lab Energy Certification in order to receive the rebate. The rebate is eligible for the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® fridge or freezer. Labs will first purchase the equipment at its full price, then complete the Rebate Request Form (provided upon certification). This form requires a copy of receipt of the new purchase, the ID number for the device being replaced (if applicable) and your chart string account number.

Participation Benefits

By participating in the UC San Diego Green Labs program, laboratories can:

  • Access education, resources and support to implement sustainable practices
  • Improve laboratory efficiency, research safety and reduce costs
  • Receive recognition as a laboratory sustainability champion
  • Reduce environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for the UC San Diego community

Participation Incentives

  • $1,500 rebate on the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR® fridge or freezer
  • Green Labs goodie bag containing items helpful for creating more sustainable habits and completing certification
  • Community recognition for your commitment to sustainability

Resources

Certified Labs

View the list of labs that have achieved Green Labs Energy Certification.

Questions?

Contact greenlabs@ucsd.edu.