Program Mission
The Green Labs Certification Program (GLCP) aims to:
- Educate laboratory personnel about practical actions they can take to minimize their laboratories' environmental impact.
- Recognize and reward laboratories and their personnel for their conscious efforts in promoting sustainable practices within their spaces.
Goals
The sustainability initiatives outlined in the GLCP align with the objectives of the Texas A&M Environmental Policy and the Sustainability Master Plan. These goals include energy conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing non-construction waste, and enhancing diversion rates for non-construction waste. For additional details, refer to the Sustainability Master Plan.
Benefits
Green-certified laboratories have a competitive edge in attracting undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Certified labs can highlight their achievements in grant proposals, and Colleges and Departments that advocate for Green Labs will take pride in being at the forefront of sustainability innovation at Texas A&M University.
Certification Process
The Green Lab Certification process at Texas A&M is structured to ensure that both lab leaders and members understand the criteria for becoming a Green Lab. Key steps in the certification process include equipment evaluation, a commitment statement from lab members, recycling initiatives, green purchasing practices, and the sharing of equipment and space among laboratories. Specific requirements are available in the TAMU Green Labs Certification Application.
To further encourage engagement, various challenges will be implemented, such as The Freezer Challenge. Sponsored by two green lab-focused non-profits, this initiative aims to decrease lab energy consumption by monitoring cold storage freezers. More information can be accessed by clicking below and watching the video:
Certification Process Outline
- Download and fill out this application form, then submit it to Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) for review.
- Schedule a lab walkthrough with EHS to confirm completion of checklist items.
- Maintain current checklist items and continuously enhance lab initiatives.
- Resubmit the certification application at least every two years to update the certification level.
Point System
Labs will be awarded points based on their responses to the Green Lab Certification Application, with a maximum achievable score of 50 points. A tiered ranking system will be in place, allowing labs to earn designations based on their point totals, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment. The ranking tiers are as follows:
- 15 Points: 🥉 Bronze
- 25 Points: 🥈 Silver
- 35 Points: 🥇 Gold