The CU Green Labs Program serves a critical need on campus by addressing the resource-intensive and costly nature of laboratories. Research buildings are responsible for over 40% of campus building energy consumption. The program is leading and collaborating on efficiency and sustainability best practices in labs and inspiring a shift towards eco-friendly research operations at CU Boulder and beyond.
Laboratories are important centers of intellectual innovation and discovery. They also leave a significant environmental footprint and consume large amounts of resources. The CU Green Labs Program has placed a special emphasis on conservation in laboratory operations since its creation in 2009. The Environmental Center and Facilities Management jointly funds the program.
In 2017, Facilities Management reported that major laboratory research buildings at CU Boulder occupy 22% of campus square footage but were responsible for 43% of campus energy use. CU has approximately 500 laboratories on its Boulder campus.