Choosing the Right Equipment: A Guide to Energy Efficiency in Laboratories

Laboratories are among the most energy-intensive spaces, consuming up to 10 times more energy per square foot than office spaces. From ultra-low temperature freezers to fume hoods and autoclaves, the equipment that powers research and diagnostics can also drive-up emissions and costs.

Choosing energy-efficient lab equipment isn't just good for the environment—it's a smart business and operational decision. But with increasing sustainability claims on the market, how do you cut through the noise and choose equipment that truly performs?

1. Understand the Energy Hotspots in Your Lab

Before replacing or purchasing equipment, it's crucial to know where the most energy is being used. To optimise your processes, start by conducting a brief energy audit to identify your lab’s highest energy consumers and assess their usage capacity and frequency of operation. Use the table below to get started.

Item Description   

Number of Items in Use

Power Rating (kW)

Hours Usage/ Day 

Usage Capacity

     

 

University of Nottingham also published an ‘Energy Saving in Labs: Walkround Checklist’ to help staff conduct a basic assessment of the energy usage within its laboratories. Have a look at it here and see if there are any quick wins - low- or no-cost measures that can easily be implemented in your organisation.

2. Evaluate Performance and Efficiency

Choosing energy-efficient equipment shouldn't mean compromising on performance. When comparing options:

  • Ask manufacturers or suppliers for energy performance data over time, not just peak efficiency.
  • Request lifecycle assessments or third-party reports.
  • Check cooling/recovery times on ULTs and fume hoods.

Be cautious of vague claims such as "eco-friendly" or "sustainable design" that lack supporting data or certification.

Our sustainability attributes programme relies on primary data from suppliers, designed to support product transparency in laboratory procurement. When considering your next purchase, explore products with the "Sustainable Use" attribute, specifically those that contribute to reduced energy consumption.

3. Prioritise Smart Controls and Automation

Modern laboratory equipment often includes smart sensors, scheduling, and remote access, all of which can significantly reduce energy consumption when integrated well. Look out for:

  • ULT freezers with auto-defrost cycles and load-sensing compressors
  • Autoclaves with standby modes or programmable timers
  • Fume hoods with occupancy sensors or variable air volume (VAV) controls

4. Don’t Go Overboard with Equipment Features

Laboratories often purchase oversized or overly sophisticated equipment “just in case.” But over-specification can lead to unnecessary energy draw and higher maintenance costs. These features can include: advanced touchscreen interfaces, high-throughput capabilities for sample volumes that are never reached, remote access features that stay unused, excessive temperature or pressure ranges far beyond the lab’s actual needs etc

Our Top Picks: Energy-Efficient Laboratory Equipment You Can Trust

Discover our top picks for energy-efficient equipment based on performance, sustainability credentials, and overall value - making it easier for you to choose options that align with your lab's goals for efficiency and innovation!

Disclaimer: The products listed were selected using data provided by suppliers as part of the Sustainability Attributes programme. These items are marked with the "Sustainable Use" label and have been designed to support lower energy consumption.

Eppendorf CryoCube F740hi Upright ULT Freezer

The Eppendorf CryoCube F740hi Upright ULT Freezer is an excellent choice for labs looking to reduce energy consumption without compromising on performance. With energy usage of just 10.5 kWh/day at -80°C, this device offers lower operating costs compared to many other models. Additionally, the freezer’s improved insulation helps maintain temperature efficiently, further reducing running costs.

For more details on this efficient freezer, visit the product page here or check out the case study here.

SLS Lab Pro Eco Drying Cabinet

The SLS Lab Pro Eco Drying Cabinets are built with energy efficiency at their core, featuring thermal insulation on all five sides to minimise heat loss and reduce power consumption. These cabinets are designed to efficiently dry laboratory glassware, surgical instruments, or media, with low power consumption that helps lower overall operating costs.

To see how it stacks up against other drying cabinets, check out the comparison table here. You can also view the product here.

Eppendorf CellXpert C170i CO2 Incubator 

The Eppendorf CellXpert C170i CO2 Incubator is s a top-of-the-line solution for cell culture and incubation needs, designed to provide a stable and controlled environment for sensitive biological samples. This device uses a low-energy heating system that maintains stable temperatures while consuming less power. Additionally, the intelligent airflow technology reduces energy consumption by optimising internal circulation, while the standby mode minimizes energy use when the incubator is not actively in use.

Check out the product here or learn more about its technical applications here.

Final Thoughts

Energy-efficient lab equipment is not just about chasing labels—it's about making informed, data-driven decisions that improve your operations, reduce costs, and support your organisation’s environmental goals. While energy consumption is certainly a key aspect of a product’s sustainability, it represents only one part of the bigger picture. To truly understand a product’s environmental impact, it's essential to take a life cycle approach—looking at everything from production and usage to disposal. For a deeper look into this topic, check out our article: "How Much Should You Trust the Green Label on Laboratory Products?"

For any enquiries, reach out to our sustainability manager at sustainability@scientific-labs.com or contact your local representative. Additionally, you can subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular updates about our sustainability highlights and initiatives.

 

Check out our latest ‘Spotlight on Sustainability’ products!

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