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Establishment of a Clinic-based Biorepository
Published on: May 29, 2017
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Dermatopathology Laboratory Green Initiatives
Cary Chisholm1, Kelvin Hayford1, Megan Stewart1
1Dermatopathology Laboratory, Epiphany Dermatology, Waco, TX, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|June 22, 2022
Summary
Implementing laboratory recycling initiatives significantly reduces environmental impact and operational costs. These green practices decrease the carbon footprint and offer substantial financial savings.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Laboratory Management
Background:
- Climate change and greenhouse gas accumulation present global challenges.
- Laboratories have a significant environmental impact due to routine operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of laboratory green initiatives in reducing environmental impact.
- To quantify the financial benefits of implementing recycling and energy-saving measures.
Main Methods:
- Implemented plastic shredding and recycling of formalin, xylene, and reagent alcohols in 2021.
- Improved building insulation to reduce electricity consumption.
- Planned transition to 100% solar electricity in 2022.
Main Results:
- Achieved a minimum carbon footprint reduction of 68.52 tons.
- Reduced reagent purchases by several hundred gallons.
- Anticipated $43,000 in savings from reduced purchases and waste disposal in 2022.
Conclusions:
- Green initiatives provide tangible benefits beyond environmental consciousness.
- Recycling and sustainable practices mitigate climate change and lower a laboratory's carbon footprint.
- These measures enhance supply chain resilience and generate significant cost savings.

