The Office of Campus Sustainability was recognized by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for its continued efforts to make U-M laboratories more sustainable.
OCS received the Michigan Green Chemistry Governor's Award in the education category for its Sustainable Lab Certification Program.
The program promotes sustainable operations including pollution prevention, waste minimization, green purchasing, recycling, green chemistry, treatment and disposal.
Benefits of the program include reduction in the use and generation of hazardous materials, reduced consumption of energy and utilities and improved safety for students, faculty and staff.
“The program is built on general principles that can be transferred to other research or teaching laboratories in the State of Michigan, even across the globe, to improve the health and Safety of lab occupants while reducing impact on the environment,” said Andy Berki, manager in the Office of Campus Sustainability.
OCS has helped 60 labs apply green chemistry, waste reduction and energy reduction principles along with operational, administrative and behavioral modifications to achieve short and long term sustainability efficiencies in their laboratories.
The program addresses two of the four broader University wide sustainability goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste being diverted to landfills. 60 labs have participated in the program,
The award was presented at the 2013 Michigan Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference on October 24 in Grand Rapids.