At Stirling Ultracold, our mission is to provide best-in-class ultra-low storage solutions in the most sustainable way possible; whether it’s our Zero Waste manufacturing initiatives, or the energy efficiency of our products.  That’s why we are proud to be a Presenting Sponsor of the North American Laboratory Freezer Challenge – so we may encourage research organizations in achieving their lab sustainability and cost goals.

My Green Lab, the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and others have joined forces to create the North American Laboratory Freezer Challenge (FreezerChallenge.org) for purposes that are close to our heart, including reducing the environmental impacts of sample storage.  Over a five-month period, starting January 15, participating labs will implement practices to optimize research sample storage, including:

  • Cleaning out freezers to remove frost, dust and debris
  • Consolidating partially filled units
  • Ensuring samples are stored at the most appropriate temperatures
  • Upgrading to more efficient freezers

This friendly competition will be a fun and collaborative way for labs across North America to make strides toward improving their sustainability and sample management practices. Participants will also gain points for following any of the actions listed above, which will be used to win awards.

As a Presenting Sponsor, Stirling Ultracold will be honored to present awards to institutional winners of the Freezer Challenge at the 2017 I2SL Annual Conference next October. This will include the Everest Award, based on the total number of points, and the Denali Award for total number of points per number of refrigeration units. Individual labs who have made the greatest effort to improve sample management and sustainability practices will also be recognized. The winning lab teams will not only be pictured in Nature magazine, but will also receive a coffee machine with Freezer Challenge mugs.

“This is the first partnership between My Green Lab and I2SL, which is very exciting,” said Allison Paradise, Executive Director of My Green Lab. “It’s a great way to outreach, and it’s a great way to get labs involved in the green lab community in a way that’s easily accessible.”

If you haven’t already, I encourage your lab to participate by signing up on the Freezer Challenge website. You’ll earn an award you can display to prove you’re greening your lab!