Labs are crucial to the makeup of NC State’s campus, driving innovation and discoveries with potential global impacts. However, due to their specialized equipment and resources, laboratories can also be resource-intensive. 

There are many ways labs can operate more sustainably without compromising the quality and integrity of their research. The Sustainable Labs Program at NC State is designed to help campus laboratories become more sustainable through these four pillars: energy, waste, water and safety. Labs can earn a Sustainable Labs certification by implementing a series of environmental impact reduction and safety tactics outlined in the Sustainable Labs Checklist. 

To assist labs on their path to sustainability, the Sustainable Labs program also supplies sustainable lab kits equipped with materials to complete a freezer defrost, informational stickers, outlet timers and more to help labs become more efficient and promote sustainable actions. Lab kits can be requested using this Google Form. 

For labs aiming to be formally recognized for their sustainability efforts, below are the steps to become Sustainable Labs certified:

1. Complete the Sustainable Labs REPORTER course.
2. Make a copy of the Sustainability Labs Checklist and check off the items that are applicable to your lab. Your total possible points will adjust accordingly at the bottom of the sheet. 
3. For the items that are marked as applicable, check if they have or have not been completed. Your score will adjust accordingly at the bottom of the sheet. Labs must achieve at least 80% of their total possible points to become certified.
4. If your lab has integrated other initiatives to become more sustainable that are not already mentioned in the checklist, use the “Innovation” section to receive extra credit points. 
5. Send your completed checklist to sustainablelabs@ncsu.edu.