The approaches to CO2 consumption measurement vary between faculties depending on the type of research and infrastructure. To tackle this, we must implement adaptable measures tailored to individual labs.
Below are suggestions and recommendations on how to address your experimental needs while preventing (as much as possible) from harming our environment in a general manner.
For actions based on your specific needs consult the Resources page from your school:
| Life Science School (SV) | Engineering School (STI) | Basic Science (SB) |
| SV Green Lab Ressources | STI Green Labs |
Purchase
As a general rule, one should purchase only what is necessary and group purchases to optimize packaging and transportation.
Consumables
- Design your experiment to generate the least waste
- Favor material reuse or recycling
Equipments
As a general rule, a well-maintained piece of equipment, significantly increases its lifespan !
- Ensure users receive proper training before they use a machine
- Perform routine cleaning
- Perform first level and preventive maintenance
- Shut down equipment as often as possible to save electricity. Avoid leaving devices on stand-by mode when possible.
Maintenance
As a general rule, a good maintenance of your belongings significantly increases their lifespan.
Computation
Maintain and care for your IT equipment to extend its lifespan
- Maintain and care for your IT equipment to extend its lifespan.
- For smartphones specifically, Point Smart – like Point Vélo – offers different services to repair your phone.
- The IT services offers a variety of hardware repair and maintenance services, from data recovery to PC repair.
- Assess the needs: Do you need multiple desktops, or could you share? Screens and monitors have an important impact, use only as many as you need.
- Contact IT services whenever IT equipment is not in use anymore.
Scientific data management
- Organize an annual data cleanout. Laboratories can host many collaborators over the years and deleting large files and duplicates, sometimes even non-identified files, can free up consequent storage space. Every 3rd Saturday of March is Digital Cleanup Day !
- Research Data Management advices and references here
- Success story of a spring data clean
Energy
Don’t forget to turn off unused equipment!
Services
Mutualization is key for a robust sustainability.
Waste
- New lab members? Use lab introductions and signage to educate people on where to dispose of the different types of waste.
- Read and refer yourself to the Management of special waste guide at EPFL.
Water
Fresh water is an essential resource, use it wisely.