Research is one of the most energy and waste-intensive parts of the healthcare enterprise, with labs using up to 10 times more energy than typical office space, and producing large amounts of plastic, chemical, and biohazard waste. As part of its effort to meet the Healthcare Sustainability Pledge, Mass General Brigham (MGB) will provide funding for 20 research labs across the system to enroll in the “My Green Lab Certification” program in laboratory sustainability.

Funding for participating labs will pay for the cost of enrolling in the My Green Lab certification process. In addition, MGB will gather additional research data via short questionnaires and lab-specific energy and waste monitoring. The questionnaire will assess how participation in the program affects environmental attitudes and workplace satisfaction. Energy and waste monitoring will help MGB measure the overall direct impact of the program and calculate potential savings.

Benefits of a certification include:

• Ensuring a healthy, safe, and responsible work environment
• Improving efficiency, saving resources and reducing consumption
• Aligning your labs with Mass General sustainability goals
• Attracting and retaining top research talent
• Obtaining possible discounts on equipment

Applicants must have a primary full-time faculty appointment and their own research lab at a Mass General Brigham institution. For any questions pertaining to the RFA or the application form, please contact mgbgrants@mgb.org.