Green Labs works with researchers to lead energy conservation initiatives, recycling education, and more. Smart Labs facilitates large-scale energy efficiency upgrades and helps to enhance safety in laboratory buildings. Explore more about these programs on the pages below.

Green Labs Smart Labs

Did you know that lab buildings at UVA make up 14% of the University’s physical footprint, but account for roughly one third its energy use? 

Labs also generate tons of waste, consume on average 10 times more energy and four times more water than office spaces. Most research institutions experience this imbalance, but what causes it? 

Labs require intensive mechanical systems to meet the ventilation and safety needs of UVA’s scientists. Adding to this intensity, many researchers in laboratories utilize large pieces of specialty equipment and other resources in order to meet their research objectives. Research contributes greatly to the university's environmental footprint and in order to reach UVA's 2030 Sustainability Plan goals, it is critical to engage researchers. 

The Sustainable Labs team, within the Office for Sustainability, addresses these lab sustainability issues from floor to ceiling, researcher by researcher, building by building with a holistic approach that brings together the Green Labs and Smart Labs programs.