Laboratories are a big part of campus ─ 20% of total square footage ─ and an even bigger consumer of campus energy; in 2010-2011 alone they were responsible for 43% of total energy use. CU Green Labs was created in order to minimize the use of energy, water, hazardous chemicals and material packaging. 40% of the university’s laboratories work with Green Labs to upgrade inefficient equipment, increase waste diversion and utilize other smart behaviors.