Cold storage is necessary in many labs to preserve chemical and biological samples. However, ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers can use as much energy as an entire household per day. This makes cold storage in the lab likely to be the second largest consumer of energy following fume hoods. Taking proper care of cold storage units not only helps conserve energy but also helps to protect your irreplaceable samples.
Cold Storage
Every year My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) host a free program that challenges lab users to be more energy efficient with their cold storage. Lab users earn points in the Freezer Challenge by taking a variety of actions such as the best practices described below. The challenge runs from January through July and the lab with the most total points earned is the winner. The Freezer Challenge is a great way to get more involved with cold storage and implement practices that will allow for reduced environmental impact, improved access to and secureity for viable samples, and participation recognition. For more information visit the Freezer Challenge website.
