New Green Labs and Offices: Summer & Fall 2023
Congratulations to the four labs and eight offices that achieved Green Office or Lab Certification throughout this past summer and fall! This dedication from our campus community reflects an understanding that Northwestern values not only what we create, but how we create it. Implementing best practices for sustainable office and lab management ensures that these spaces intentionally interact with their resources and reduce their impact on our environment
The Pollack Lab: Advancing Sarcoma Research Sustainably
The Pollack Lab – certified May 2023 – is dedicated to curing sarcoma. Some of the ways they embed sustainability into their operations include turning off lights and machines, reducing and reusing resources, responsible purchasing by keeping an inventory, and optimizing protocols to take time, resources, and energy into consideration. However, the lab noted that “our endeavor doesn't stop here... We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and maximizing our contribution to cancer research.”
The Hunter Lab: Sustainable Transformation of Compounds
Joining the ranks of green certified labs in July 2023, the Hunter Lab is dedicated to developing materials and molecules that can sustainably transform compounds harmful to the earth into valuable chemicals. Dr. Hunter emphasized the importance of creative and effective ways to minimize the environmental impacts of their research while maintaining its quality and safety. As a newly established lab at Northwestern, their goal is to firmly establish sustainable practices in their lab routines and group culture from the very beginning.
The Sheperd Lab: Neurological Research with Green Practices
The Sheperd Lab, dedicated to understanding the brain circuits involved in animal motor movements and their implications for neurological diseases, achieved Green Labs Certification in July 2023. The lab stated that "becoming green labs certified has helped us better understand our daily environmental impact and commit to factoring sustainability into our research for years to come." This ongoing commitment ensures that all members of the lab uphold expectations related the sustainability in operations, even as new people join the team.
Library Conservation Lab: Preservation and Sustainability
The Library Conservation Lab, responsible for treating and repairing both circulating and non-circulating materials, received Green Labs Certification in September 2023. This team aims to encourage others to consider the impact their own work has on our communities and the planet. They are setting an example of how dedication to sustainability goes hand in hand with critical preservation work.
Kellogg Global Hub Offices: A Unified Green Effort
Eight offices in the Kellogg Global Hub banded together over the summer to obtain Green Office certification from sustainNU. Representatives from the school's seven academic departments and Kellogg's Ford Center for Global Citizenship all achieved certification in September 2023. The collaborative spirit was exemplified by Kellogg's green team lead, Nancy Faunce, who noted that once they “had the go-ahead, [sustainNU's] support and materials made certification easy, and we were able to complete it in less than three weeks.” Mariela Flores, Kellogg's director of academic departments, highlighted the opportunity for cross-departmental collaboration while promoting sustainability.
Learn about how to become Green Certified here!