Undergraduate researchers work in the lab of biomedical sciences professor Dr. Lisa Porter, which earned platinum designation through the 2025-26 Green Lab program. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fidalgo da Silva/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
From cutting waste to conserving energy, UWindsor researchers can make their labs more sustainable through the University’s Green Labs Program, now recruiting its second cohort for 2026-27.
Green Labs supports researchers in reducing their labs’ environmental impact by implementing sustainable and efficient practices, including green chemistry, energy conservation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, water conservation and waste management.
“The program will empower participants with tools, knowledge and peer learning to encourage sustainable behaviours and practices while maintaining high-quality teaching and research space,” says Nadia Harduar, sustainability officer.
“The Green Labs Program will give you the opportunity to build relationships across campus, introduce new skills into your lab and make a positive impact on campus sustainability.”
Looking for inspiration on how to run a green lab? Harduar encourages researchers to participate in the 2026 My Green Lab Summit, where members of the sustainable science community come together to collaborate, find inspiration and learn practical skills and tools.
The summit runs Sept. 29 and 30 and is free for university staff, faculty and students.
The Green Labs website also features an online resource toolkit with tips and best practices to help researchers operate their labs more efficiently, reduce waste and raise sustainability awareness among lab members.
Researchers interested in participating can apply through the Qualtrics form.
Two labs received designations during the inaugural 2025-26 year.
The lab of biomedical sciences professor Dr. Lisa Porter, led by Green Lab representative Elizabeth Fidalgo da Silva, received a platinum designation. Biology professor Dr. Catherine Febria’s Healthy Headwater Lab, led by Green Lab representative Alyssa Frazao, earned a silver designation.
The certification program supports the University’s Sustainability Framework, by embedding sustainability into all aspects of campus life.