Dalhousie University
IN-9: Green Laboratories

Dalhousie does not have a green labs certification program, but has undertaken significant efforts in the areas listed above. We have undertaken energy, waste and water audits of labs. We work with laboratory users to upgrade equipment and lab processes. In 2014, the Office of Sustainability facilitated a campus-wide fridge/freezer exchange that included labs. There is ongoing work to reduce energy consumption from fume hoods, including variable speed drives and automatic closing. As well, we are conducting a study on once-through process water in laboratories. Dalhousie has a Chemical Stores facility that distributes and collects chemicals for disposal. Many chemicals are bought in bulk and then distributed by refilling bottles for different labs. Cardboard and paper packaging is recycled. Styrofoam cooler boxes and cloth packing material are reused for internal shipments. Students have started a Green Labs group. Their objectives include redesigning experiments to use less chemicals and providing training for lab users on sustainable practices.
More resources would be required to form and manage a complete benchmarking or certification program for Green Labs.