LED Lights

• All light bulbs in the GSH are exchanged for the more energy efficient LED lights.

Air Exchange/Temperature

• As of May 2022, GSH switched to a 100% CO2 neutral energy provider.

• Air in the lab must be fully exchanged and filtered several times per hour. As such, ventilation is the most energy demanding practice. At GSH, air ventilation is on a timer, so no energy is spent on it during the night-time or when lab is empty during the weekends/holidays.
• Fume hoods with hazardous substances in it must ventilate constantly (including the hazardous substances cabinets under the fume hood). Here, open window or sash of the fume hood puts an extra demand on the ventilation system, therefore increasing the energy consumption (comparable to 3.5 times of an average household). Please, keep windows and fume hood sashes closed when not in use.
• Temperature in the labs is set at 21°C. Please, avoid using the AC unless necessary and do not use it for heating. To ensure proper heating please make sure that radiators (heating) are unobstructed.

Ultra-Low Temperature Freezers

• Each ULT freezer consumes as much energy as 3 average households. Currently there are 17 ULT freezers plugged in at the GSH. To increase efficiency of this equipment, remember regular defrosting. Consider optimal use of available space and a clean-up! Before purchasing new freezer, please consider sharing space with your colleagues.
• here is mounting evidence that raising temperature from -80°C to -70°C is safe for most samples and amounts to up to 30% energy saving! -70°C works with this refrigerator. We already have champions on site, AG Greten and AG Sevenich lead the way by raising the temperature of 5 ULT freezers to -70!
• Check out and join Freezer Challenge.

Other Equipment

• Biosafety Cabinets As with fume hoods, biosafety cabinets put a strain on the ventilation. Please close the sash and turn off the power when this equipment is not in use. If you are not sure of the correct procedure, ask your lab manager or Dr. Stefan Stein. Check out this guide.
• Autoclaves Autoclaves use pressurised and high-temperature steam to sterilise glassware, animal cages, and S2 etc and mixed waste prior to disposal. This equipment is both high energy and high-water demand. There are 3 autoclaves for waste sterilisation operated by groups and bench autoclaves to sterilise small plastic/glass ware. If you use this equipment please always operate on full load, consolidate with others if needed. There is a large autoclave in the Spühlküche as well as in the animal facility. These are operated by instructed personnel and always at full capacity.
• Computers Left on, computers still consume energy even in a standby mode. Please, turn off your computer (including monitor!) or laptop when you leave. Follow the notes by any PC connected to equipment in the lab!

Turn The Switch!

• By far the easiest way we can all contribute! Turn off the lights when you are leaving the room. Any room: bathroom, changing room, office, lab! If you see a light on in an empty room, just flick the switch!