Shut the Sash Competition Pilot Sets the Stage for a Broader Fume Hood Challenge

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.

The I2SL University Alliance Group created the Shut the Sash Challenge to reduce the barriers to running a successful shut the sash competition, as well as highlight outstanding programs, provide support, share resources, and facilitate peer learning. Led by Kevin Tu of the University of Maryland, a UAG subgroup determined pilot participants, created scoring criteria, and evaluated participants’ submissions. The pilot was held in spring 2024, with several labs participating in the challenge. Kevin presented the results of the pilot during the 2024 I2SL Annual Conference; his presentation is available for viewing here.

During the pilot, labs tracked their performance over the course of a month. Seven judges evaluated pilot participants in three categories: recognition/incentives, resource optimization, and education/outreach. The winner of the competition, Boston Children's Hospital, identified 28 underutilized fume hoods, hibernated eight hoods, and identified two opportunities for fume hood sharing programs. Those interested in learning more about this award-winning sash competition can hear Chuck Blanchette from Boston Children’s Hospital speak during I2SL’s 2025 Education Week, on April 8!

The pilot helped identify the criteria that supported successful shut the sash challenges based on qualitative responses by the pilot participants. Consistent communication was one of the most important aspects. Engaging key stakeholders such as building managers, department chairs, faculty, and safety committees encouraged participation. Updating participants throughout the initiative and offering a post-competition celebration increased engagement. Other efforts that inspired behavior change were a focus on energy efficiency and safety; cross-department collaboration, and structured training and education.

I2SL will use the results of this pilot to develop a broader Fume Hood Challenge pilot to focus on a variety of ways to improve hood energy efficiency and safety later in 2025, including an online platform that will house shared resources, guides, and case studies. If you have any best practices for fume hood operation, shut the sash education, or good hood management practice ideas, you can submit them here!