Séverine Audusseau led the Meakins-Christie Laboratory’s participation in the 2024 International Freezer Challenge at the RI-MUHC. This is an annual competition that encourages laboratories and research institutions to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact through better management of cold storage units like freezers and refrigerators. Fourteen Meakins labs took part in this initiative. As part of the challenge, the labs performed full defrosts on freezers, removed dust and debris from intakes, filters, and coils, cleaned gaskets, created new sample inventories, and disposed of old or unused items. To promote good practices and proper maintenance of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, Séverine created an instructional video on proper freezer maintenance. Freezer scrapers were purchased and made available in all freezer rooms. To improve inventory management, Séverine disseminated information on effective freezer inventory practices and available tools. The freezer challenge provided many labs with the opportunity to consolidate their frozen specimens and update or upgrade their inventories. Increasingly, laboratories are transitioning to cloud-based Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Séverine also implemented a system that allows PIs to store specimens in shared freezer space for short-term periods. She manages this shared space, ensuring accurate inventory is maintained. The storage time is limited, but renewable, to ensure the timely disposal of unneeded specimens.
At an institute level, the International Freezer Challenge promotes energy-efficient cold storage to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. In 2024, RI-MUHC labs made significant strides, with 66 participating labs saving over 203,000 kWh of electricity in two years—the equivalent of powering nearly 18 homes.
The Specimen Processing Laboratory at the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM) led the way, winning the individual category for the second year, saving 45.9 kWh daily. The RESP Program (Meakins-Christie Labs) topped the group category, saving 147.85 kWh daily. These efforts showcase RI-MUHC’s commitment to sustainability and teamwork, driving innovation for a greener future.
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Sustainability champions: RI-MUHC labs shine in 2024 International Freezer Challenge. Innovative energy-saving efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to sustainability. RI-MUHC News. November 14, 2024.