The UF Green Laboratory Program aims to reinforce conscientious behaviors in research laboratories, promote the acquisition energy-efficient laboratory equipment, and further encourage green laboratory design. These sustainability efforts enhance environmental health and reduce UF energy expenditures. Achieving this goal requires collaborative efforts among various UF entities notably including laboratory personnel and facility support staff, departmental leadership, Facilities Services / Planning Design and Construction, various offices within EH&S, the Office of Sustainability, and UF Research, and UF Procurement Services. Moreover, through completion of the green lab certification assessment, labs can receive recognition for outstanding commitments to sustainability.

Certification

The UF Green Lab Certification Rubric addresses sustainable behaviors, conservation efforts, and environmentally friendly infrastructure applicable to laboratory settings. Through EH&S evaluation of a weighted rubric, labs can achieve graded levels of green lab certification:

• Green: Awarded to labs that achieve ≥ 90% lab assessment scores
• Gold: Awarded to labs that achieve ≥ 80% lab assessment scores
• Silver: Awarded to labs that achieve ≥ 70% lab assessment scores

To be recognized as a certified green lab, laboratories will be assessed in accordance with a green lab certification rubric. The certification rubric is first completed by lab staff as self-assessment. Thereafter, the rubric is passed along to EH&S Research Services (greenlabs@ehs.ufl.edu) in order to schedule an onsite sustainability survey. Upon EH&S evaluation, labs will receive a final score. Graded levels of green lab certification that will be displayed on the lab notice boards.