Certification

To apply for Green Lab Certification, fill out the form below.
To track your progress before applying for certification, use this certification checklist

Department(Required)

Lab Name(Required)

PI/Mentor Name(Required)

First Last

PI/Mentor Email(Required)

Lab Manager Name

First Last

Lab Manager Email

Follow OWRR Recycling Guidelines or other recycling system (submit yours to Green Labs Staff)

Recycle ink cartridges through UNC Mail Services.

Implement glove or plastic film recycling (contact Joseph Ward: Joseph.ward@avantorsciences.com or Dana Bruce: dana.bruce@thermofisher.com)

Properly recycle electronics through the UNC Surplus Program.

Post signage to clarify the lab and office recycling procedures (available on the UNC Green Labs Website).

Set up double sided printing as default setting on all lab computers.

Place scrap paper bin next to printers.

Minimize hazardous waste by applying Green Chemistry Principles.

Minimize hazardous waste by applying the American Chemical Society's 12 Green Chemistry Principles.

Number of ACS's 12 Green Chemistry Principles applied

Consolidate purchases to minimize waste of shipping materials

Unsubscribe from unwanted mailings and request electronic versions of laboratory catalogs.

Waste Reduction Subtotal

Date and clearly label all samples in storage. Maintain an updated inventory of research samples.

Keep freezers and incubators organized to reduce the time that the door spends open.

Host an annual freezer cleanout to remove unnecessary samples.

Clear ice buildup in -80°C or other freezers (with a soft cloth or rubber mallet)

Ensure that freezers are running efficiently by checking door seals, coils, condenser filters, etc. each month. Designate a monthly check person, date, and time.

Report all maintenance issues (freezer malfunction, leaking faucet, climate control issues, etc.) ASAP using the UNC Facilities Portal.

Complete a lab inventory of computers and printers to remove duplicate or unnecessary equipment.

Equipment Efficiency Subtotal

Post reminders to shut fume hood sash when not in use (posters on UNC Green Labs site under "Resources")

Post reminders to turn off lights when exiting a room (request form on UNC Green Labs site under "Resources")

Post reminders to turn off lights when exiting a room above light switches.

Utilize daylight instead of overhead lighting whenever possible.

Turn off basic reasearch equipment (most heat blocks, water baths, drying ovens, and incubators reach the desired temperature quickly and can be left off) when not in use.

Label equipment with "turn me off" stickers (request form on UNC Green Labs site under "Resources")

Close windows and doors if the HVAC system is on.

Use a joint power strip (an energy-smart strip, if possible) so that groups of appliances can be powered down when not in use.

Post signage to remind users to turn off computers (or put on stand-by/hibernate mode) at the end of the day.

Rent an energy consumption meter (by contacting Obadele St. George at UNC Facility Services) to measure how much energy your equipment draws. Make plans to reduce your consumption.

Saving Energy Subtotal

Make energy efficient purchasing choices. Look for Energy Star Certified equipment (additional points for each Energy Star Appliance).

Number of Energy Star Appliances in Lab

Merge your freezer space and equipment with neighboring labs instead of buying your own.

Only run autoclave when full.

Review items which may be run through the dishwasher to reduce autoclaving unnecessary items.

Purchase a solvent recycler for your lab or share one with a neighboring lab.

Do not use DI water where tap water will work just as well. Create clear lab guidelines on when each type of water should be used, and post clearly.

Properly dispose of chemicals according to UNC EHS Guidelines.

Keep an up-to-date chemical inventory to prevent redundant ordering and to provide a resource for sharing chemicals between neighboring labs. Updating chemical inventory needs to be done yearly according to EHS lab plan.

Purchase only the necessary amounts of hazardous chemicals and consider using less hazardous alternatives

Resource Conservation Subtotal

Attend at least 1 Green Lab event throughout the year

Refer another lab to the Green Labs certification program or My Green Lab Freezer Challenge

Join the Green Labs listserv

Volunteer to be interviewed as a Green Lab Certification participant

Share at least 2 photos of your sustainable efforts on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter by tagging @uncgreenlabs

Post the 12 Green Chemistry Principles in your lab

Arrange conference calls in place of traveling whenever possible

Encourage lab employees to use alternative commuter methods (bus, bike, walk) and submit pictures of themselves during their commute

Identify a way to increase your lab's sustainability that is not addressed in this document and email us at greenlabs@unc.edu with your idea and it being utilized

Campus Engagement Subtotal

TOTAL