LAB MANAGEMENT :: ENVIRONMENTAL
ment. We limit paper trash by converting many of the files and documents to an electronic system, whenever possible. Our building staff members utilize “green” products for cleaning. The DLS safety officer provides regular indoor air quality tests for contaminants, including formaldehyde and xylene, and provides opportunities for mercury waste to be handled professionally. We also try to make sure that all batteries are disposed of accord- ing to regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency. As Matt mentioned, chemical waste is gathered, documented, and removed by an accredited vendor.
Given the fact that you share a common building with the other laboratory tenants, how do you work with them to achieve your goal to become environmentally friendly? Johnson: We were holding very regular meetings before the COVID pandemic. All of the tenants would be represented from each division, and the building has its own representative. That’s where we discuss some of the major needs and wants and issues in the building. The medical examiner has its issues, and the state police has its issues, and we all come together in the same room, and we talk about them. If we can get one or two of the other divisions on board for something we think is beneficial, we can make a push to get it done. KY DLS serves as a catalyst for building improvements, spurring other tenants to help with the push to be good envi- ronmental stewards. As a tenant in this building, we can only make recommendations and help push for the environmental impact outcomes we desire. For example, we pushed for a more environmentally friendly HVAC system years ago. Though we didn’t get all we sought, we did make it better.
What is the biggest challenge your lab faced regarding green practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how did you overcome it? Johnson: The amount of disposable ‘everything’ being used, and the production of recyclable waste was (and still is) over- whelming. The health crisis response created a tremendous amount of all types of waste. We worked with the building staff to increase the number of pickups that were required for cardboard. We initiated cardboard drop offs to the outside units when building staff were unavailable. Eventually, three large carts were brought into the division to hold all the materials. These carts are picked up weekly, allowing all applicable waste to be gathered, sorted, and removed. The staff worked together to provide Styrofoam drop offs to facilities that accepted them. Overall, it was a team effort to get the recyclables out of the building and to the appropriate facilities.
What are the next steps in your green practices? Arora: We are currently researching an opportunity to expand, retrofit, or build a new physical plant that will incorporate green practices, which were not utilized when the current facility was built thirty years ago. A new building would provide us with the opportunity to move to some of these modern and environmentally friendly options, such as solar panels; water conservation; rainwater harvesting; building, plumbing, and lighting efficiencies, and a low-energy HVAC system. The feasibility study will tell us the dollar amount and the pros and cons of staying in the building and fixing it a little bit at a time, or if it would be is it better to just identify another lot of land or another building that is bare bones and can be retrofitted with the newer standards that are used in buildings these days.
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MLO-ONLINE.COM We should have that study in the next month or so.
What advice can you give laboratorians who are looking to reduce their environmental impact? Arora: Small incremental steps can go a long way towards a big win. For example, the simple purchase of a bike rack stimulated staff from our division and other building tenants to start riding their bikes to work. Look for different avenues that provide the same services. Don’t take no for an answer when you are trying to improve processes. Take a “no” as “not right now.” Pick your battles. Developing any recycling program is relatively easy to institute. One person can start a trend, and others will typically rally to the movement. For green practices related to the building, initiate conversations with mechanical maintenance and the building superinten- dent. They know the buildings as well as the weaknesses and limitations and will be your strongest allies. Provide the facts when the initial investments will result in future savings. And again, target your effort towards things you can control or influence.
How would you describe the benefits or your activities? Arora: These changes and initiatives have tangible and in- tangible benefits. We know there are monetary benefits, but it is very difficult to put a hard number on them because so many different agencies in the same building are impacted, and other agencies may be paying for particular improve- ments. Employee morale and pride are some of the greatest intangible benefits. Being recognized as the APHL Healthiest Laboratory has been one of the tangible benefits that has increased the intangible benefit of employee morale for the KY DLS team.
Healthcare Operations Have Large Carbon Footprints
Healthcare facilities • Consume at least 2.7 times more energy than the usual commercial building
Hospitals • Produce more than 30 pounds of CO2 emissions per square foot
• Spend more than $5 billion annually on energy
Labs • Use 3-6 times more energy per unit surface than an office building
• Up to 80% of energy consumption is from ventilation systems
• Significant consumers of water • Account for $1 billion-$2 billion in annual energy costs
Source: Lopez JB, Jackson D, Gammie A, Badrick T. Reducing the environmental impact of clinical laboratories. Clin Biochem Rev. 2017;38(1):3-11.
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