The goal of the UAB Green Labs Program is to reduce the use of energy, water, material goods, and hazardous chemicals in UAB laboratories without compromising research integrity or safety.
UAB is an R1 Institution, ranked 20th nationally (9th among public universities) in NIH funding. UAB is also the state’s largest single-site employer, supporting one of every 31 jobs statewide, with an annual economic impact of more than $7 billion in Alabama. Consequently, UAB is also the largest electricity user in the state and also generates over 2,000 tons of landfill waste annually. As a researcher, you have the ability to reduce this impact—join the Green Labs Program!
To submit questions and/or to begin the process of becoming a UAB Green Labs Member, email greenlabs@uab.edu. A representative from our office will respond and provide you with a lab-specific survey.
- Researchers who are new to UAB can learn more about the program by downloading the UAB Green Labs Primer.
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Green Labs Program
UAB Green Labs is a voluntary program designed to assist lab leadership in implementation of efficiency measures to reduce environmental and economic costs without sacrificing research quality, safety standards, or comfort and productivity of lab staff. UAB Sustainability has partnered with UAB Environmental Health & Safety in implementing this program in order to maximize safety.
The program serves the dual purpose of instituting sustainable practices and recognizing participants for their efforts. The program provides generalized guidelines that are applicable to a multitude of facilities with the hope that researchers will innovate and evolve additional practices based on their unique set of circumstances. -
Why Become a UAB Green Lab Member
UAB has nearly 2,000 labs and small changes can translate to large economic savings and significant reductions in our environmental impact. Here are several additional reasons to become a UAB Green Labs Member:
- Lab participants will work with UAB Sustainability, UAB Environmental Health & Safety, and UAB Research to evaluate the efficacy of different approaches to lab sustainability and will have a strong voice in determining the best sustainability options for specific kinds of labs at UAB.
- Labs participating in UAB Green Labs Program will be eligible for rebates for various consumables and appliances.
- Labs who complete the program will be recognized with a rating and associated logo to be used on websites, grant proposals, lab door, etc., as well as public recognition for completion.
- Individuals selected to be a Green Lab Representative will gain additional experience with lab management, facilities operations, purchasing, and regulatory structures associated with lab research.
- The certification process is intended to build a stronger sense of ownership and a team approach to lab research and resource management for the lab’s faculty, staff, and students.
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How to Become a UAB Green Lab Member
- PI selects someone in the lab to be the Green Lab Representative.
- This can be the PI, lab manager, lab tech, post doc, or graduate student.
- Undergraduates may not be Lab Representatives.
- The Green Labs Representative takes the survey and works to have at least 50% of lab members complete the survey.
- A UAB Green Labs Representative schedules a visit to review results of the assessment, including lab strengths and challenges in sustainable efforts as well as potential rebates the lab may use.
- The lab completes the survey again after 6 months and receives a rating based on how well suggested changes were implemented during that period.
- After successfully making the suggested changes, the lab receives certification as listed below:
- 40-49% of changes, Green Lab certification
- 50-59% of changes, Bronze certification
- 60-69% of changes, Silver certification
- 70-79% of changes, Gold certification
- 80% or more of changes, Platinum Certification
- PI selects someone in the lab to be the Green Lab Representative.