Energy Programs and Rebates
Laboratories are some of the most energy intensive spaces on Stanford's campus. On average, laboratory buildings consume 3-5 times more energy than office buildings. Office of Sustainability has a number of resources to help you conserve energy, including a number of free tools and rebates. You can earn points toward your reward in My Cardinal Green for completing lab sustainability actions, many of which have a high point value - and impact!
Install Timers on Lab Equipment
Laboratory equipment makes up approximately 11% of Stanford’s electricity consumption. One easy way to reduce energy is to turn equipment off when not in use. Often times lab equipment is left on during the day, but could be turned off at night and on weekends. Outlet timers can shut down and start up equipment automatically at set times, cutting off the electricity to equipment when not needed. Outlet timers have shown to reduce equipment energy consumption up to 50%, resulting in energy cost savings for the lab and department. Timers can also reduce the fire hazard risk of having electrical heating equipment on when no one is in the lab. The Cardinal Green Labs program provides free timers and installation. Email us for a how-to guide at becardinalgreen@stanford.edu.
Ultra Low Temperature Freezers and Equipment Rebates
If you work in a lab that uses cold storage (e.g. refrigerators or freezers) you are undoubtedly already keenly aware that these types of equipment consume a significant amount of energy. But did you know that a standard -80 freezer can consume nearly as much energy as a single-family home? There are a number of ways to optimize performance of your cold storage.
Regular Maintenance
The typical lifespan of an ultra-low-temperature freezer is 12-15 years. Properly maintaining your ULT freezer will increase its useful life, reduce temperature fluctuations, and minimize energy consumption. View resources and how-to guides to help ensure that you are getting the most from your freezer.
"Chill Up" the Set Point
One easy way to reduce the energy consumption of your ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer is to change the set point from -80 degrees Celsius to -70 degrees Celsius. Chilling up your freezer will save over 1000 kWh and over $100 in energy costs every year. It also prolongs your freezer’s lifespan. Find more information on chilling up your ULT freezers by emailing us!
Rebates for Ultra Low Temperature Freezers and Bio-Safety Cabinets
Are you buying a new ultra-low temperature freezer or bio-safety cabinet? Rebates are available for choosing energy efficient models, whether you are replacing an old freezer or purchasing new equipment. The table below provides details on the potential rebate amount available for efficient freezer types. Additionally, you can receive a rebate of up to $2,800 for a new or replacement brushless, direct current bio-safety cabinet, such as Thermo Scientfiec's 1300 series, which use an average of 70% less energy than other models.
Potential Rebate Amounts for Efficient Freezer Models
| Freezer Model |
Replacement Rebate |
New Purchase Rebate |
| Cryogenic Liquid Nitrogen | up to $9,950 | up to $6,340 |
| Stirling Ultracold | up to $6,840 | up to $3,240 |
| Panasonic VIP Eco | up to $6,740 | up to $3,130 |
| Thermo Scientific TSX400 | up to $6,090 | up to $2,480 |
| Thermo Scientific TSX500 | up to $5,500 | up to $1,900 |
| Thermo Scientific TSX600 | up to $5,390 | up to $1,790 |
| Thermo Scientific TSX700 | up to $4,740 | up to $1,130 |
| B Medical U701 | up to $5,100 | up to $1,490 |
| B Medical U901 | up to $4,370 | up to $770 |
| Eppendorf F740hi | up to $5,540 | up to $1,930 |
Rebate Process:
Step 1: Fill out a replacement freezer rebate application, new purchase freezer rebate application, or bio-safety cabinet application to ensure that you qualify. Funds are limited and rebates are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 2: Schedule a laboratory waste or sustainable lab operations training with Facilities Energy Management. Trainings must be attended by at least 10 people or the majority of lab members.
Step 3: Submit proof of purchase and delivery of the freezer or bio-safety cabinet, as well as proof of disposal of the old equipment (if replacing one) to Facilities Energy Management.
Step 4: Receive rebate. Once all paperwork is received, eligibility was confirmed, and the training was completed, the funds will be transferred to the PTA listed on the application.
Remember, the easiest way to save energy consumed by bio-safety cabinets is to turn them off when not in use!
Other Lab Equipment Rebates
Rebates can also be provided for other types of lab equipment, such as incubators and lasers, if proven energy-efficient models are purchased. Contact Michael Huang to initiate the process.
Room Temperature Storage
In 2009, Stanford piloted a novel technology that promised to reduce energy consumption, achieve sustainability goals, and optimize laboratory space. Using a proprietary stabilization technology, biological samples that are typically stored frozen can be stored at room temperature. Laboratories can reduce dependency on costly freezers and reduce both energy consumption and their carbon footprint. Moreover, the risk of losing valuable research in an emergency is reduced as biological sample storage no longer relies on electricity. Read a full report of the Room Temperature Biological Sample Storage Pilot.
The Cardinal Green Labs Program is offering a full rebate for room temperature storage starter kits! If your lab is interested in trying one out, please contact Michael Huang. In return, we will ask you to fill out a brief user experience survey.