How to save energy in the labs and offices

• Keep doors closed for efficient technical ventilation and heating

• Switch on devices only when and for as long as needed and avoid stand-by mode
• Activate "Hibernate" mode on all computers (LMU insider: currently not possible for “MWN”-computers)
• Only "quick airing" of room (no windows permanently open), during which thermostat is put on position 1
• For all LMU buildings: Set radiator thermostats to max. 19°C (≈ position 2.8)
• When leaving:
• Set radiator thermostats to position 2
• Close windows
• Devices and lights off

All freezers and fridges

• Organize and clean out your samples
• Reduce opening times
• Keep clear of ice
• Reduce the number of freezers and fridges

Ultralow temperature freezers

• Setting ULT freezers to -70 °C instead of -80 °C can save a lot of energy
• ”-70 is the new -80”: check out resources of My Green Lab regarding ULT freezers and what impact changing the temperature has:

• Facts and Figures from My Green Lab
• Brochure by Radboud university medical center (PDF, 300 KB)
• International Freezer Challenge
• Tips and information on freezer management by LMU (only accessible for LMU members; PDF, 550 KB)

• Click here for a list of samples successfully stored at -70°C provided by e.g., UC Boulder
• Defrost regularly
• Regularly vacuum the condenser filter and coils to ensure efficient cooling

Deep freezers (-20°C)

• BMC Green Lab Initiative observed that -20 °C freezers are often colder than their settings (e.g., a freezer set to -21 °C was at -26 °C)
• Freezers colder than -20 °C (when set to -20 °C) can be turned up to save energy
• Regularly organize and defrost freezers (at least twice a year)

• Close fume hood sash whenever not in use (fume hoods demand a large amount of energy)
• Switch off biosafety cabinets whenever not in use (especially at the end of the day)
• Coordinate the work in biosafety cabinets (e.g., with time tables)

• Only start autoclaves when they are full
• Autoclaves can use up to 230 liters of water per cycle