The Wildlife Veterinary Epidemiology Laboratory is a multidisciplinary research laboratory where students can engage in different aspects of research, including collecting samples in the field, cataloging/organizing/storing samples, and lab work. As part of our efforts toward building a culture of sustainability in our lab, we participated for multiple years in the UIUC freezer challenge. However, to improve the building for sustainable and efficient storage of our samples, we need to improve the lab infrastructure where most of the ULT freezers, -20°C freezers, and refrigerators are stored—aiming to reduce energy consumption that will significantly enhance the lab sustainability performance. 

Refrigeration units are one of the primary consumers of energy used in the labs. The best practices related to the freezer challenge led to safer, more efficient ways of managing samples at our lab and to win the freezer challenge 3 times. However, despite staff and students' efforts, there is currently no appropriate temperature regulation at the bay, forcing the freezers/refrigerators to work/consume more electricity. Even worse, in summer, some equipment may fail/get damaged during extreme heat. 

With the funding provided by SSC, we want to improve the building for sustainable and efficient storage of research samples. 

Our goals are:  

• To convert a place with poor climate conditions (no A/C and temperature problems) to a more efficient room to reduce energy consumption and protect the equipment (extend the life of freezers). 

• To improve the laboratory infrastructure through direct heat removal to manage sample storage efficiently and sustainably.  

• To extend the life of our equipment by providing the appropriate environment. 

• And to make sure that the new energy-efficient equipment will last.