Undergraduate researchers work in the lab of biomedical sciences professor Dr. Lisa Porter, which recently earned platinum designation through the Green Lab program.(Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Fidalgo da Silva/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Two campus labs have become the first in UWindsor’s history to earn Green Lab designations, recognized for their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in research and teaching.
The designations were announced in time for Earth Day.
Biomedical sciences professor Dr. Lisa Porter’s lab received platinum designation, led by their Green Lab representative Elizabeth Fidalgo da Silva. Biology professor Dr. Catherine Febria’s Healthy Headwater Lab earned silver, led by their Green Lab representative Alyssa Frazao.
The Green Lab program recognizes sustainability and energy-efficiency practices within lab spaces as well as a culture of sustainability among undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and faculty.
“The program will empower participants with tools, knowledge and peer learning to encourage sustainable behaviours and practices while maintaining high-quality teaching and research spaces,” says Nadia Harduar, sustainability officer.
“The Green Lab program is an opportunity to build relationships across campus, introduce new skills into the lab, and make a positive impact on campus sustainability.”
Key areas covered by the program are Water Conservation, Energy Conservation, Waste Management, Green Chemistry, Procurement, and Engagement, Education and Awareness.
Designated labs receive a Green Lab certificate to display, a digital designation icon to use in lab member signatures and funding to continue their efforts. This year's prizes are sponsored by Chemical Control Centre.
The Green Lab program is a key objective in UWindsor’s first Sustainability Framework, bridging research, teaching and operations with day-to-day sustainable practices, fostering an engaged, healthy, safe and environmentally sustainable campus.
Members of the Healthy Headwaters Lab, led by Dr. Catherine Febria, which received silver designation through the Green Lab program for its sustainability efforts. (JUSTIN ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)
As part of Earth Day celebrations, staff, faculty and students are invited to wear their UWindsor gear and take part in the annual ENWIN Earth Day tree planting event from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 26, at the Little River Corridor.
Participants will help plant more than 2,000 trees alongside family, friends and community members. The event will go ahead rain or shine.
There is also still time to register for another initiative highlighting the sustainability efforts of UWindsor’s labs – the 2026 International Freezer Challenge.
“Join the international lab community working to make refrigerators and freezers run more efficiently, improve sample access, and sample integrity,” says Harduar.
“Any labs that use refrigerators, freezers, ultra-low temperature freezers or liquid nitrogen storage are invited to participate.”
Registration is open until July 1, 2026. Participants should select "University of Windsor" as the organization.
For more information on the Green Lab program or the International Freezer Challenge, visit the Green Lab website.