Category: Wet Labs
Level: Gold
Author: Bianca Schell, Kerstin Hermuth Kleinschmidt
The Impact: Energy savings
Details
Once energy-saving behaviours and equipment optimisations are in place, the next step is to monitor and manage equipment energy consumption systematically. Understanding which devices use the most energy enables targeted interventions and informed devisions about replacing inefficient models or rescheduling equipment use.
Using manufacturer, plug-in meters, smart sockets or institutional energy systems data can supports evidence-based decisions and allows the group to focus on high-impact opportunities. This Gold-level action represents a shift from ad hoc improvements to strategic energy management.
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Checklist
Identify major energy-consuming devices
☐ List equipment with high energy use (freezers, incubators, ovens, safety cabinets, centrifuges, shakers, etc.).
☐ Consider both high and constant energy draw.
Measure or estimate energy usage
☐ Use available data such as: manufacturer specifications; plug-in meters , smart sockets or institutional monitoring systems.
☐ Record measurements or estimates clearly.
Review energy data regularly
☐ Identify devices with unusually high, increasing or constant load.
☐ Look for opportunities to reduce usage (idle time, redundant devices, temperature settings).
Develop and implement an action plan
☐ Based on monitoring data, take targeted actions such as:
- Consolidating samples to shut down a freezer
- Adjusting schedules to avoid overlapping peak loads
- Rescheduling equipment to off-peak times where practical
- Replacing outdated or inefficient models (last resort, new production of equipment is very resource intensive)
- Improving maintenance schedules
☐ Document plan and follow-up.
Share findings and collaborate
☐ Communicate results and best practices within the group and beyond.
☐ Collaborate with facility management or sustainability officers to align efforts with institutional energy strategies.
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For auditors only:
Checklist for auditors
Obligatory (All obligatory boxes are ticked → Positive)
☐ A clear list of equipment identified as major energy consumers, with corresponding energy measurements or estimates.
☐ Evidence of data collection (e.g. meter results, smart socket screenshots, manufacturer specifications).
☐ Documentation showing that monitoring results informed concrete actions, such as consolidation, replacement or scheduling adjustments.
☐ Evidence that findings were shared with the group or relevant institutional staff.
Optional
☐ Trend data showing improvement over time.
☐ Examples of equipment replaced due to inefficiency.
☐ Evidence of collaboration with facilities or sustainability offices.
☐ A formal energy management plan or summary.
Questions for audit online meeting
Which equipment did you monitor, and how did you measure or estimate energy usage?
What did the data show, were any devices unusually energy-intensive?
What actions were taken as a result? (e.g. consolidation, setting changes, replacement)
How often do you review or update the data?
How do you share your findings with the group or institution?
