Eleven research labs in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) have earned My Green Lab certifications at one of the three highest levels available: gold, platinum or green. EMS My Green Lab certified labs represent 27.8% of the labs certified on the University Park campus and 25% of the labs certified on all campuses. The college also has seven additional labs enrolled in the certification program.
"About 80% to 85% of the college's environmental and carbon footprint is associated with electricity usage, and heating and cooling, which involve utility decisions made at the University level," said Tim White, sustainability officer for EMS. "Where we can make a difference is in how we use those utilities - in other words, through better awareness and behavioral change - and the Sustainable Labs program helps us begin the needed change."
The Penn State Sustainable Labs Program, launched in 2022, provides educational support and networking opportunities to labs across the University, helping them implement changes to become more energy- and resource-efficient.
Penn State partners with the nonprofit My Green Lab (MGL) and utilizes its United Nations-endorsed certification program to assess and address 14 target areas for behavioral change. The certification is recognized by the United Nations as a key measure toward the goal of a zero-carbon future.
"Penn State's Sustainable Labs has emerged as a leader among the 118 universities worldwide participating in the My Green Lab Certification program," said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. "At My Green Lab, our mission is to build a culture of sustainability in science to transform the scientific industry into a global leader on environmental sustainability. Through education, community engagement and market leading certification tools, we are inspiring the scientific community to integrate sustainability into everything they do."
The Sustainable Labs Program is hosting a virtual information session from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 21, for those interested in learning more or applying for the next cohort.
