Looking to kick-start the conversation about improving efficiency in your lab building, or in a client’s facilities? I2SL is preparing a tool to help aim your energy-saving initiatives in the right direction. Coming this spring, the Actionable Insights and Measures (AIM) Report is the latest offering from I2SL’s Labs2Zero decarbonization program. The AIM Report is an automated lab energy audit tool that highlights opportunities for lab buildings to reduce their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Looking for a way to spark savings—and keep it going—in your lab buildings this year? Think ongoing commissioning! This past October, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) in California received a Sustainable Laboratory Award for Continuous Improvement for their ongoing commissioning (OCx) program. The program has driven significant energy and water reductions at LBNL, as well as continual improvements in laboratory ventilation safety.

The Phil Wirdzek Leadership Award, named for the late founder of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21), is a distinct honor given each year to an outstanding, inspirational professional involved in I2SL. Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, the 2024 winner, is a leading advocate for the sustainable science community. She created and manages the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) Green Labs Program, helped to establish the International Freezer Challenge, and continues to advance initiatives for efficient and sustainable research practices. Her ceaseless energy and passion for the green labs movement emulates Phil Wirdzek’s spirit and dedication.

Federal laboratories are now encouraged to source more sustainable products and safer chemicals, as well as earn certification through My Green Lab (MGL), thanks to two new additions to the federal Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program. In December, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated their Recommendations of Specifications, Standards and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing, including new product categories for laboratory operations and laboratory equipment and supplies.

The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) piloted a Shut the Sash Challenge in 2024 to evaluate what makes laboratory sash closure competitions effective and help plan for a future Fume Hood Challenge initiative. Participants in the pilot sought to improve their researchers’ behavior by closing sashes when not in use and reducing their average sash height. When a variable air volume fume hood sash is opened, airflow through the hood increases to maintain fume hood capture and containment, often causing energy to be wasted. Closed fume hood sashes also ensure safety in the laboratory environment.