New Chemical Sharing Initiative will help ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ labs save money and reduce hazardous waste
A Chemical Sharing Initiative, launched by Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ Green Labs Program, will help labs reduce the need to purchase chemicals, save research funding, and the time needed to acquire chemicals. A study from the Journal of Chemical Health & Safety found that out of 32 schools with a chemical sharing program, 15% saved $50 to $31,456 per year, with 18% of schools reporting savings of $15,000.Ìý
Through theÌýuse of a feature on the campus’ existing chemical inventory software (SciShield ChemTracker), lab members can search for chemicals within their building and request to share them instead of ordering new supplies. Lab members can learn more about lab sharing procedures through thisÌý
Since the start of 2026, staff from EH&S and Green Labs have been visiting laboratory buildings every two weeks to share information on the initiative and provide training on how labs can use the chemical inventory software to find chemicals they need. The Chemical Sharing program has been introduced to WILD, SEEC & SEEL, JSCBB, Benson and Cristol/Ekeley. Two additional launch events are planned this semester. Orientations are typically from 3-4 pm on the selected dates listed below.Ìý
April 9th: Ramaley Biology, Gold Biosciences, & Porter Biosciences
April 23rd: Engineering Center
Missed the orientation for your building? Have a green lab success story to share? Email us atÌý greenlabs@colorado.edu.Ìý