Seattle University
IN-19: Green Laboratory Program

1. ENERGY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY: SHUT THE SASH UTILITY AND SAFETY INITIATIVE:
The Shut the Sash Campaign was implemented by Facilities Administration to raise awareness in the laboratories about the importance of shutting the sash when a chemical fume hood is not in use. Shutting the sash improves the energy efficiency of the laboratories; it is also an important safety measure. Each chemical fume hood on campus was labeled with a colorful sticker as it received its annual performance check. The sticker acts as a prompt to remind laboratory workers to shut the sash when they are done working. This simple act aids HVAC system efficiency, increases sash closure persistence, and builds professional work habits.

2. WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION:
The University Resource Management Plan (2019) details all campus activities and operations targeting water and energy conservation.
https://www.seattleu.edu/media/facilities-services/UPDATED_Seattle-University-Resource-Management-Plan-2.pdf

3. CHEMICAL USE AND DISPOSAL:
• Because waste management begins with procurement, laboratories are encouraged to purchase the smallest quantities feasible and to utilize the transfer request feature through CampusOptics whenever possible. The Academic Safety Officer reviews laboratory chemical procurement requests and makes suggestions for alternatives when relevant. More information about chemical use in labs is available through the SU Chemical Hygiene Plan. https://www.seattleu.edu/media/academic-safety/files/Chemical-Hygiene-Plan.pdf
• Seattle University is regulated as a Medium Quantity Generator (MQG) in Washington State. We strive to adhere to the requirements of the Dangerous Waste regulations WAC 173-303 and the Pollution Prevention Plans regulation WAC 173-307. This status requires us to report our waste management activities through two reporting processes:
1)Dangerous Waste Annual Report by March 1: Tracks facility’s generation and management of dangerous waste to keep people and the environment safe.
2)Pollution Prevention Plan by September 1. Tracks details of toxic chemical use, then considers ways to reduce that use and the waste it generates.
• Our personnel maintain an aggressive and comprehensive waste management program as a way to provide necessary support services to the members of the campus community. The Manager of EH&S, Recycling Coordinator and Assistant Director of Grounds and Waste Management interact with the campus community to encourage use of best practices, provide educational outreach opportunities and manage vendor services (Trilogy Medwaste, Clean Harbors).
• Members of the campus community may request a Waste Assessment which includes evaluation for alternative management strategies as well as a Risk Evaluation using a risk mitigation tool. These are program enhancement tools designed to engage and educate the campus community to consider alternative strategies and reduce impacts and risk. A Waste Flow Diagram is designed in poster form to be posted in any teaching, research or workplace environment to further encourage proper segregation and fulfill our contractual obligations to our vendor partners.

4. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: RECYCLING AND REUSE PROGRAMS:
• Chemical waste is managed through Clean Harbors.
• Biological waste is managed through Trilogy Medwaste.
• Universal waste is managed through a variety of recycling outlets in partnership with Clean Harbors and Interstate Batteries.
• The Facilities Services Department oversees the electronics recycling program for Seattle University. This effort is supported by guidance provided by King County and Washington State Department of Ecology.
Seattle University uses 3R Technology for its campus-wide electronic waste recycling and reuse needs. They are R2 Certified, a member of WSRA, and an E-Cycle program member.

4. MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: GREEN PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
• Seattle University has developed an institution-wide ethical, equitable, & sustainable procurement policy. The policy serves as a resource to support and facilitate the purchasing of products and services per commodity area. One of the commodity areas is “Chemically Intense Products & Services and Safety Equipment.” All University employees are asked to apply the policy to practice sustainable procurement when purchasing products and services and to include the commodity guidelines in vendor contracts in accordance with Seattle University’s Procurement Policy.
• SU's Procurement Policy continues to govern health, safety and environmental affairs reviews and approval through the Manager of EH&S and the Academic Safety Officer. ProcureSU—the university's e-procurement system—is used as a safety management tool to review safety-related purchases, including chemicals, PPE, biological materials, and lab supplies.
See here: https://www.seattleu.edu/media/procurement-services/Procurement-Policy-Statement-2023.08.24.pdf

5. TRAINING FOR LAB USERS ON SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES:
Students that use the laboratories are oriented in the safe use and disposal of all chemicals either through the course content for teaching labs or through a department-specific training for research spaces. Additionally, the sustainable use of water for any experiments involving cooling, as well as the proper sash height for safe and effective use in all fume hoods, is emphasized during orientation to the laboratories and throughout the curriculum. Training is given by professors, lab managers, and/or the Academic Safety Officer, and organizational goals around the reduction of waste and environmental impact have been strongly considered during laboratory course design.