Sustainable Science: Choosing Lab Equipment That Supports Your Institution’s Carbon Goals
Laboratories are among the most energy-intensive facilities globally, consuming far more power per square foot than offices or classrooms. As universities and pharmaceutical companies commit to carbon neutrality, every aspect of lab operations is under review. Beyond large infrastructure changes, equipment choices play a critical role in reducing emissions. This blog explores how sustainable lab equipment decisions can align with institutional carbon goals.
Table of Contents
1. Why Lab Equipment Choices Now Matter More Than Ever
2. What Does “Carbon Neutral by 2030” Really Mean?
3. Hidden Energy Costs in the Lab
4. What to Look for in Sustainable Lab Equipment
5. Spotlight: Evaporation Techniques and Carbon Goals
6. Low-Energy Alternative: Smart Evaporator™
7. Toward Greener Science: Every Choice Adds Up
1. Why Lab Equipment Choices Now Matter More Than Ever
Across the United States, academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies are committing to ambitious sustainability targets—from carbon neutrality by 2030 to the construction of LEED‑certified lab spaces, which are designed to minimize energy and water usage, improve indoor air quality, and reduce overall environmental impact.
One standout example is Bren Hall at the University of California, Santa Barbara, which has received multiple LEED Platinum certifications for both its construction and operations. It’s widely regarded as one of the greenest laboratory buildings in the United States.
While efforts often focus on infrastructure—like solar panels, HVAC upgrades, or certified buildings—lab equipment decisions also hold untapped potential for environmental gains.
Choosing energy-efficient instruments isn’t just a matter of cost savings; it also directly contributes to reduced emissions, operational resilience, and a positive institutional reputation in the era of environmental accountability.
2. What Does “Carbon Neutral by 2030” Really Mean?
More and more U.S. universities and pharmaceutical companies are pledging to reach carbon neutrality by 2030—but what does that actually involve?
Achieving carbon neutrality means reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to near zero and offsetting any remaining emissions through verified methods such as reforestation or carbon capture. It’s a science-driven strategy, aligned with the global 1.5°C climate target.
For research institutions, this goal typically includes:
- Switching to renewable energy sources for campus-wide operations
- Reducing energy use in labs, which are among the most energy-intensive spaces
- Upgrading infrastructure such as HVAC, lighting, and lab equipment
- Tracking and reporting emissions using tools like SIMAP or Scope 1–3 accounting
📊University Carbon Neutrality Goals vs. Lab Energy Use
The chart below compares the declared carbon neutrality deadlines of selected universities with their estimated average lab energy usage. It illustrates a key challenge: lab energy demand remains high, even at institutions with aggressive climate goals.
| University | Carbon Neutral Goal | Typical Lab Energy Intensity (kWh/sqft/year)* |
|---|---|---|
| University of California | 2025 | 350–400 |
| Harvard University | 2050 | 350–370 |
| Yale University | 2035 | 350 |
| Stanford University | 2050 | 320–350 |
| MIT | 2050 | 350–370 |
*Typical lab energy intensity values are U.S. DOE/Labs21 and regional research lab benchmarks, generally ranging from 320 to 400 kWh/sqft/year—much higher than office buildings. These benchmarks are derived from national studies of research facilities and not unique data from each campus. Individual university figures may vary substantially depending on lab type, age, and campus climate.
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3. Hidden Energy Costs in the Lab
Despite occupying a small portion of campus space, laboratories can consume 3–10 times more energy per square foot than standard office buildings. Why?
| Common Lab Equipment | Typical Energy Use (Watts) | Notes |
| Rotary Evaporator | 1,200 – 1,800 W | Includes vacuum pump, chiller, water bath |
| Freeze Dryer | 1,000 – 1,500 W | Often left running overnight |
| Centrifuge | 300 – 800 W | Short, high-power cycles |
| Biosafety Cabinet | 800 – 1,200 W | Continuous operation in many labs |
Many of these systems remain powered on between uses—sometimes 24/7—leading to silent but significant power waste.
4. What to Look for in Sustainable Lab Equipment
Sustainability doesn’t mean compromising performance. When evaluating lab equipment through a sustainability lens, consider the following:
- Energy consumption per task (not just peak power)
- Idle energy use — is the device left running when not in use?
- Infrastructure dependencies — chillers, vacuum pumps, cold traps
- Operational efficiency — fewer steps means fewer resources used
- Longevity & maintenance — sustainable choices last longer and break less
Choosing tools that are fit-for-purpose helps avoid unnecessary oversizing—especially important for small-volume sample handling.
5. Spotlight: Evaporation Techniques and Carbon Goals
Evaporation is a common yet energy-intensive step in many lab protocols—particularly when using traditional rotary evaporators, which rely on:
- Heated water baths (500–1000 W)
- Continuous vacuum pumps (100–500 W)
- Chillers (600–900 W)
Modern evaporation needs—such as handling small volumes, high-boiling solvents, or parallel processing—often do not require the full setup of a rotary system. Alternative methods are emerging that better align with carbon-conscious operations, especially for:
- Final-stage drying
- DMSO/DMF handling
- Multi-sample workflows
6. Low-Energy Alternative: Smart Evaporator™
For institutions evaluating lower-impact evaporation systems, the Smart Evaporator™ offers one example of how to approach energy reduction without compromising lab results.
| Feature | Impact |
| Reduced reliance on chillers (depending on solvent recovery requirements) | Less infrastructure, lower emissions |
| No complex vacuum adjustments required | Simplifies operation and reduces oversight |
| Parallel evaporation options | Reduces runtime and idle energy use |
Used at institutions like Purdue University, University of Oxford, and UC San Diego, this system has been integrated as part of broader workflow optimizations—not as a full replacement, but as a complement to existing tools like rotary evaporators.
📘 Learn more: Smart Evaporator™
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7. Toward Greener Science: Every Choice Adds Up
Adopting a sustainability-first mindset in your lab doesn’t require massive infrastructure changes overnight. It starts with one question:
“What if we reviewed the energy footprint of the tools we already use—one process at a time?”
From solvent evaporation to sample storage and air handling, small changes in equipment choices can contribute to institution-wide carbon reductions and even support grant proposals or green lab certifications.
📚 Related Articles
Reducing Energy Use in Solvent Evaporation: Smarter Solutions for DMSO and DMF Handling👉 Read the full article here
Rotary Evaporator vs. Energy-Efficient Alternatives: How to Cut Evaporation Time and Power Usage👉 Read the full article here
Is Your Lab Equipment Wasting Energy? Breaking Down the Hidden Power Costs in Research Labs👉 Read the full article here
Expert Tips to Maximize Rotavap Efficiency-with Smart Evap👉 Read the full article here
Rotavap and Smart Evaporator: 2 Use Cases and Why It Works👉 Read the full article here
Sources
- University of California Carbon Neutrality Initiative
- Harvard University Office for Sustainability – Sustainability at Harvard
- Yale University Sustainability – Sustainability Progress Reports
- Stanford University Sustainability Goals and Commitments
- MIT Climate Action Plan for the Decade
- U.S. Department of Energy: Labs2Zero – Energy Efficiency in Laboratories
- U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency in Laboratories – FEMP