S-Lab: How to Minimise Laboratory Energy Use and Environmental Impact

This workshop takes advantage of the UK visit of Kathy Ramirez Aguilar, Green Labs Program Manager at the University of Colorado, Boulder (CU-Boulder) – a campus and university that is a US leader on many sustainability topics. Kathy will discuss:
•Engaging scientists and growing a “green” culture in university research laboratories
•Creating a multi-stakeholder team approach in CU-Boulder laboratories involving environmental health and safety (EH&S), facilities management, laboratory department administrators, scientists, and others.
•Identifying and promoting environmental improvement opportunities such as efficient cold storage practices, energy efficient equipment selection, more effective use of chemicals and materials, and waste diversion practices.
•Demonstrating synergies between conservation opportunities and other areas such as safety, cost savings, enhanced performance, and relationship building.

Martin Wiles and Anna Lewis of the University of Bristol will also give a brief summary of their own experience and successes with regard to these topics. Following this, there will be an opportunity for in-depth discussion and networking in small groups, with each group focused on a specific topic such as:
•How to get engagement from academics, technical staff and students.
•Value/benefits/experience of dedicated lab efficiency/sustainable lab roles.
•Value of, and next steps for, S-Lab/Green Impact assessment.
•Cold storage – experience and benefits of sustainable procurement, effective maintenance and management, raising ULT temperatures and more.

To encourage discussion, the event is limited to around 40 places, some of which are these reserved for Bristol staff. The target external audience is a) energy, environmental and sustainability staff and b) technical staff who are already engaged with laboratory improvement activities and are interested in sharing their experience and deepening their knowledge.

See our Dropbox folder for the latest flyer/agenda, or book a place here. Please note that, due to limited capacity, places can only be given to commercial bodies if space is available.

Places will only be confirmed in late Jan.