The Medical School's innovative Lab Swap Events and the newly established Lab Swap Shop on Central Campus have made a notable impact! Hundreds of items have found new homes in labs, cutting costs and reducing waste significantly.

During three successful Lab Swap Days on the medical campus:

• North Campus Research Complex (May 9): Redirected 725 pounds of waste and saved $26,927.
• Medical Science Research Building 2 (May 16): Saved 1,144 pounds of waste, totaling $49,006.
• Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building (June 12): Managed to divert 1,901 pounds from the landfill, amassing savings of $86,420.

These activities kept a total of 3,700 pounds of waste from landfills, translating into over $212,000 in cost savings for 140 participating labs!

Get Involved: Donate or acquire lab equipment at the Lab Swap Shop, Room 5004 North University Building, open every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., with online options available for more convenience.

The University’s first-ever Sustainable Lab Summit was an enriching platform for sharing sustainable practices and innovations. With robust discussions and resource connections, the event marks just the first step in an ongoing journey to boost sustainable research. Click HERE for a 1-page summary of the 2025 event.

Join the growing community of Planet Blue Ambassadors at the Medical School, who have increased by 24% this year alone! Every faculty member, student, and alumnus can partake in this enriching program by attending an introductory training course to champion U-M’s sustainability goals effectively.

The Medical School remains dedicated to reducing energy consumption and waste production in labs:

• Sustainable Labs Certification: Aiming for every wet bench lab to undergo the sustainability survey. Already, 12 labs have achieved platinum certification, with 82% of new certifications coming from Michigan Medicine.
• Freezer Challenge: This initiative resulted in annual savings of 470,000 kWh, cutting 103 metric tons of carbon emissions, and saving $54,000 this year. Congratulations to the top performers: Histocompatibility Laboratory, Michigan Kidney Translational Medicine Center, and Clinical Research Specimen Processing.

• Sustainable Food Improvements: Discover how Picasso Catering is leading sustainable dining with carbon labeling on menus and how the 24/7 markets are using compostables.
• Sustainability Lead Network: Harness the power of collective action and shared networks through the Sustainability Lead Network.