Energy Usage
Laboratories are some of the most energy-intensive spaces on campus, consuming 3-10 times more energy per square meter than typical commercial buildings. At Trinity College, labs occupy 22% of campus space yet account for 46% of the campus energy use. Below are key contributors to energy consumption and strategies for reducing it.
Key Contributors to Energy Consumption 🔋
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Cold Storage and Freezers
- A single ULT freezer consumes as much energy as two Irish households.
- Raising ULT freezers from -80°C to -70°C can reduce energy use by 37% without compromising sample integrity.
- Regular maintenance is key:
- Clean condenser coils
- Check door seals
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Defrost units periodically to avoid ice buildup
- Implement biobanking practices like searchable inventories and optimizing freezer space
- Share freezer space across labs to avoid underutilization and reduce redundancy.
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Fume Hoods
- Close the sash when not in use to significantly reduce energy demand by lowering airflow and minimizing the need to replenish exhausted air.
- Avoid using fume hoods as storage to ensure proper airflow and minimize energy consumption.
- Use sash ruler stickers or install auto-closing sashes to optimize energy-saving behavior.
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Autoclaves
- Run autoclaves only when full and use standby modes during idle periods to conserve energy.
- Consider front-loading autoclaves to save both energy and water.
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Other Equipment
- Biosafety cabinets use 11-15 kWh/day.
- Check if equipment such as water baths and incubators have timers to prevent overnight or weekend usage.
- Assess underused equipment for decommissioning or sharing across labs to optimize energy use.
Additional Energy-Saving Strategies 🌱
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Visual Prompts:
- Use "Switch Off & Save" stickers to remind users to turn off equipment.
- Implement a traffic light system to indicate when equipment can be safely turned off.
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General Tips for Sustainable Energy Use:
- Utilize energy-saving modes on equipment where available.
- Choose ENERGY STAR-rated appliances like freezers and refrigerators to minimize energy usage.
- Establish end-of-day protocols to save energy in an unoccupied lab.
- Maximize natural light in the lab and turn off lights when sunlight is sufficient.
By incorporating these energy-saving strategies, labs can drastically reduce their energy consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future. 🌍
Stability of Genomic DNA at various storage conditions
Ultra Low Freezer Management Guide
Ultra-Low Freezer Maintenance Quick Reference Guide
My Green Lab freezer challenge
Extra resources:
Sustainable European Laboratories Network
Using Outlet Timers on Lab Equipment Reduces Energy Consumption