Workshop: Creating and Growing Green Labs Programs
March 6, 2025 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm EST
This workshop will bring together representatives from various green labs programs to share strategies for establishing and expanding green labs on university campuses. With the significant environmental impact of scientific research, it is essential for R1 institutions to implement green labs initiatives to help meet sustainability and climate goals. Green labs programs not only enhance lab safety but also equip scientists with essential skills in efficiency and sustainability, which are increasingly valued in the research field. These programs have proven to save institutions money and positively impact energy and water conservation, waste reduction, community building, and educational opportunities for researchers, students, and faculty. The workshop will cover a range of topics, including program setup, funding sources, stakeholder engagement, incentive strategies, and the structural elements that drive program success. Participants will have ample opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions, and participate in smaller group sessions for deeper exploration and problem-solving on specific topics.
Learning Outcomes:
- Gain insights into effective strategies for starting and scaling green labs programs on university campuses.
- Understand the environmental, financial, and educational benefits of green labs initiatives.
- Learn about various funding sources, engagement tactics, and incentive strategies to support green labs programs.
- Explore best practices for building a strong network of campus stakeholders to drive green labs initiatives.
- Engage in collaborative discussions and problem-solving with peers to address challenges and share successful approaches.
Key Details
Registration Fees*
| Registration Type | Registration Fee |
| Individual (non-student) associated with an AASHE member organization* | $95 |
| Individual (non-student) not associated with an AASHE member organization | $125 |
| Student | $50 |
| Groups | Full price for first registrant and 20% off for each subsequent registrant |
* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.
A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply two weeks before the program begins (e.g., 2/20/2025) to be considered for a scholarship for this workshop.
Registration Policies:
- Registration deadline is Thursday, March 6, 12:00 p.m. ET.
- Payment is accepted in the form of Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
If you need to pay by check or ACH, please contact us at least 5 weeks prior to the event start date. Registration using these forms of payment must be received 4 weeks prior to the event start date and full payment must be received by AASHE within 2 weeks of event start date. - Cancellation Policy: A 20% processing fee applies to any cancellation prior to February 24, 2025. No refunds will be given after February 24, 2025.
- No substitutions are allowed.
- Registered participants will receive access to the recording after the live event.
- Review all Terms & Conditions.
Facilitators
Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, Green Labs Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder
Kathy has a PhD in chemistry, 15 years of lab experience, and, since 2009, has managed the University of Colorado Boulder Green Labs Program. She is a board member for the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and chair of the I2SL University Alliance Group which partners on green lab efforts and works together to drive changes in systems that will benefit environmental sustainability at research institutions, including efforts to connect efficiency and sustainability expectations to US research funding.
Ryan Weeks, Sr. Sustainability Specialist, Green Labs & Zero Waste, Johns Hopkins University
Ryan Weeks is the Sr. Sustainability Specialist for Green Labs & Zero Waste at Johns Hopkins University. After finishing a PhD at JHU, he transitioned to the Sustainability Office to lead the Green Labs Program and utilizes his research background to support JHU’s campuses in fostering a culture of sustainability in both research and teaching labs.
Emily Colpack, Green Labs Coordinator, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Emily Colpack is the Green Labs Coordinator at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she has overseen the Green Labs Program since 2020. Emily works with labs on reducing energy, water, and waste generation. She helped implement a robust lab recycling program where they have recycled or reused over 100,000 pounds.
Leoncio Lagarde, Green Labs Program Assistant & Outreach Coordinator, University of Colorado Boulder
At the University of Colorado Boulder, Leoncio takes on the role of the Green Labs Program Assistant & Outreach Coordinator. With a solid academic foundation including an undergraduate and master’s degrees in Geosciences from UC Berkeley, coupled with his previous professional lab experience as a chemical analyst, he is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and sustainability in laboratory settings. Through engaging educational initiatives and targeted training sessions, he aims to propel forward impactful practices within the campus lab community.
Any questions about the workshop?
Please contact Daita Serghi, education@aashe.org