Research labs take up only 9% of UVA’s space, but they’re responsible for 25% of energy consumption on Grounds. Shutting chemical fume hoods can dramatically reduce energy use and costs.
WHAT ARE FUME HOODS?
Chemical fume hoods (CFHs) serve the important function of keeping researchers safe from harmful substances, but in order to do so, they move large volumes of air through the hood ventilation system. This process can use as much energy as 3.5 households in a single day (My Green Lab). Simply closing the fume hood sash, the barrier between the workspace within the hood and the larger lab, can reduce the energy burden of fume hoods.
"There's a lot of folklore surrounding chemical fume hoods and we sometimes hear that researchers were once instructed to leave them open for lab ventilation purposes,” said Christine Alencar, the Smart Labs Project Associate with UVA’s Office for Sustainability. “The experts in UVA's Environmental Health and Safety Office assure us that, according to national standards for lab ventilation (ANSI/AIHA Z9.5), shutting the sash is the safest thing for researchers and lab employees."
WHAT IS SHUT THE SASH?
Back in 2017, the Office for Sustainability hosted UVA’s first “Shut the Sash” fume hood competition in collaboration with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety. This friendly competition helps labs set and meet goals for fume hood management. Not only does this promote safe and sustainable lab practices, but participants are also eligible to win a handful of prizes!
During the last Shut the Sash Challenge in 2019, two labs were recognized for their hard work: the Owens Lab in the Cardiovascular Research Center and the Letteri Lab in Chemical Engineering. Through their efforts, participating labs in Wilsdorf Hall achieved a 51% reduction in their average sash positions - an impact certainly worth celebrating.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
You can register your lab for the Shut the Sash Challenge - email [email protected] - and share the challenge with neighboring labs and fellow researchers to stoke some friendly competition. At the end of October, winners will receive prizes and be recognized on the Sustainable UVA blog and social media channels.
“There are lots of ways to encourage sustainability in your lab” enthused Fiona Hogan, UVA Green Labs Specialist, “So if you’re interested in other work that UVA Green Labs does, check out our website for more information and lots of helpful resources. You can also tune in to the Sustainable UVA Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter every Lab Tuesday to learn more about lab sustainability.”
Labs are advised to contact UVA Environmental Health and Safety with any questions regarding chemical and fume hood safety.