Sustainability

Sustainability

Sustainability Tips for in the Labs

The UC water metering system has recorded particularly high water consumption in lab-intensive areas, such as Physics, Geology/Biological Sciences, and Civil/Mechanical Engineering areas.

Water

  • Do not leave water running unnecessarily
  • Use a rinse bucket

Electricity

  • Make sure equipment is turned off when not in use
  • Check all the equipment at the end of the day
  • Turn off lights when you leave the room for more than 15 minutes

Natural Gas/LPG

  • Try to minimise the use of gas
  • Ensure valves and taps are turned off when gas is not in use
  • Use the correct fittings to avoid leakages

Chemicals, gasses, biological agents

  • When possible plan experiments of a smaller scale
  • Use a spill tray
  • Where possible use less hazardous chemicals
  • Keep the minimal amout of chemicals needed on the bench space
  • Store chemicals in a spill tray when not in use
  • Dispose of dangerous chemicals properly

Lab ware and equipment

  • Where possible purchase and use non disposable lab ware and equipment
  • Try to minimise the use of disposable lab ware and equipment
  • When purchasing try to buy the most energy efficient product
  • Turn off the fume cupboard when not in use
  • Lower the fume cupboard sash when in use
  • Do not store chemicals in the fume cupboard

Packaging

  • Where possible reuse or recycle any packaging
  • Purchas products with CFC free, mercury free, and asbestos free packaging

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