Green Labs
An estimated 30-40% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within Higher Education Institutions is a result of emissions from laboratories.
The DCU Energy Team along with a team of DCU technicians are working on identification and reduction of major energy user within laboratories. DCU has developed virtual labs and continues to investigate the potential for further virtual labs. DCU is an active member of the collaborative network Irish Green Labs and currently chairs the SEAI Public Sector Labs Working Group. DCU aims to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to minimise the negative environmental impact of laboratories through knowledge sharing and development of best practises.
The MyGreenLab certification is an engagement programme that supports practice and behaviour changes to reduce the environmental impacts of lab activities while saving resources. Initiatives such as the Freezer Challenge of increasing our freezer temperatures while preserving sample validity resulted in a saving of up to 30% on energy cost. As a result of efforts by staff and students there are currently four labs in DCU with MyGreenLab certification.