I2SL University Alliance Group (UAG)

University Lead: Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, Green Labs Program Manager, University of Colorado-Boulder

Group Purpose

To share green lab and lab sustainability initiatives and work together as a group on driving changes to systems that will improve the environmental sustainability of scientific research, particularly at academic research institutions.

Million Advocates for Sustainable Science

Considering the outsized carbon footprint of laboratories, the urgency of mitigating climate change, and the hyper-competitive environment that researchers are facing for funding, systemic changes towards more efficient lab operations and practices would benefit both science and a reduced environmental footprint. Current research funding structures generally neglect to encourage or require research institutions to demonstrate environmental sustainability to receive funds. As a result, My Green Lab and I2SL created the Million Advocates for Sustainable Science letter signing campaign. This call to action challenges research funders to encourage sustainability in research and to urge scientists, research institutions, and stakeholders to improve and implement sustainability, resource efficiency, and resiliency within research laboratories.

We encourage sustainability advocates, scientists, lab workers, lab designers, engineers, and builders to sign the letter now to join hundreds and soon thousands around the world in the push to change in the way scientific research is conducted. There are two versions of the letter:

  • A general global letter
  • A global letter with United States-specific additions relevant to U.S. funding sources

Sign the letter today!

After signing, feel free to share this letter and video on social media and send it to friends and colleagues to have an even larger impact. You can also visit the website to learn more about the impact your signature will have, lab sustainability, or for ways to make your lab more efficient.

Group Activities

The group meets monthly via zoom. The meetings currently alternate between two focuses:

  1. Sharing of lab sustainability and green lab initiatives in place at research institutions, federal laboratories, and other non-profits.
  2. The Bringing Efficiency to Research (BETR) Grants initiative—which is focused on connecting efficiency and sustainability expectations and requirements to the funding of scientific research.

Participants and Get Involved

Participants in the group include professionals from academic research institutions and non-profits, as well as collaborators from federal agencies. If you are interested in participating in the UAG zoom meetings and being added to the group email list, please contact I2SL and/or kramirez@colorado.edu. Email messages are sent out prior to the meetings with zoom information and an agenda, as well updates and links to items of interest to the group.

Click Here for History and Past Events

 

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