Randy Smith, Duke University
Randy Smith, the Biology Departmental Manager at Duke University, created a Green Labs certification program with eight areas:
- management/training,
- energy conservation,
- water conservation,
- chemical storage/use,
- purchasing,
- recycling/waste reduction,
- field work, and
- conference travel.
Labs also earn bonus points for extra green behavior. For example, one lab calculated how long their machines took to start up, and made stickers that say: “This machine takes only ____ minutes to start; turn it off at night!”
The program has three certification levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. As of this writing, Duke has 10 Green Labs, all Gold. Certified Labs receive a sticker indicating their level; Mr. Smith said that this sparks friendly competition.
Duke’s biology department has also invested in energy-reducing equipment. They have removed excess fume hoods, which costs $5,000 per hood but pays off in energy savings.
Smith said he hopes to continue to expand his program and spread awareness of the importance of greening labs.
— Published in UNC Green Labs Best Practices Guide (2013)
