Overview
The Sustainable Change Labs Program is geared to equip staff, faculty and students working on campus to create and maintain sustainable labs.
Getting Started
The lab certification form is divided into 8 sections. Depending on your type of lab (wet, dry or both), you will be guided through a list of questions. It is recommended to review each section below and gain a high-level overview of the questions asked prior to completing the form.
- Regularly removing ice and dust build up from lab freezers
- Purchasing energy efficient fridge and freezers
- Using overhead lighting to prioritize energy savings
- Shutting off equipment when not in use
- Following fume hood sash procedures
- Reducing water consumption through use of aerators, autoclaves and low-flow faucets
- Efficient washing of labware
- Reporting leaky faucets to Facilities Management and Planning (FMP)
- Printers are set to print in black and white and double sided
- Appropriate signage is used to encourage proper waste disposal
- Reusing boxes for storage
- Minimizing single use plastic and prioritizing more sustainable options
- Packing waste free lunches when possible
- Purchasing non-hazardous cleaning supplies and lab chemicals
- Considering ethical and environmental factors of suppliers
- Using natural lighting during meetings when possible
- Offering virtual meeting options
- Carpooling to and from meetings, conferences and events
- Lab staff are aware of UTM’s Sustainability Strategic Plan, annual Progress Reports and Climate Positive Plan
- Participating in campus waste reduction events
- Maintaining the integrity of fieldwork locations
- Removing all waste produced from fieldwork locations
- Notifying FMP or greenhouse staff of damage or issues within the greenhouse
- Using recyclable planting pots
- Using water efficiently