UV decontamination lighting has been incorporated into biosafety cabinets for decades, and persistently over-relied on for decades in cell culture work. Green labs are removing UV lamps from biosafety hoods to eliminate risks and save energy. It’s a simple action that overcomes energy waste in the right setting.
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Eversource support for cold storage
Labconscious thanks Steve Miller for sharing this green lab tip on a program to help raise vaccine cold storage and research capacities. Steve manages the High-performance Lab Initiative at Eversource. It was clear from our conversation that Steve has compassion for people waiting to get the first COVID-19 vaccines. Likewise, Eversource has instigated a program to support the rollout. Happily, Massachusetts has taken the Eversource initiative and made it into a statewide program for utilities. We hope that this approach will keep spreading!
Read MoreMIT's MASH alarm is an easy, effective and inexpensive way to save VAV fume hood energy
When you leave a freezer door ajar in your kitchen, what happens? The refrigerator beeps, right? This warning is a simple and effective signal to avoid a problem. Behavioral scientists might describe that “beep” as an auditory prompt. It’s a cue to help people extinguish an unwanted behavior. The MASH alarm works in a similar way. The device beeps after no motion is detected for three minutes at a hood when the sash has been left too far open.
Read MoreUsing Outlet Timers on Lab Equipment Reduces Energy Consumption
Sustainable Stanford Cardinal Green Labs Program uses outlet timers because it can save up to 50% of equipment energy consumption. Learn how your lab can too!
Read MoreLaboratory Energy Savings by Automatic Lighting
By installing automatic lighting to your laboratory building, you will see the difference in energy bills as illustrated below. This image appears on the Lighting Controls Association web site, courtesy of the Lighting Design Lab. Their web site is a great resource to learn about automatic switching and dimming controls. Of note, utility companies offer rebates on automatic lighting controls. You can learn more at http://lightingcontrolsassociation.org.
Save on energy costs without replacing your laboratory building windows
Here is a green labs tip based on a new study, that will help you "turn out the lights" on energy waste and "open your window" to energy savings!
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