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The Freezer That Sparked a Climate Movement at Boston’s Children’s Hospital
Hospital labs aren’t where most people look for climate solutions. But Chuck Blanchette did — and found more than anyone expected.
As Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital, Chuck oversees 200+ labs and more than 800 freezers. When he joined the Freezer Challenge, it sparked a transformation: turning routine lab maintenance into a nationally recognized climate program that’s slashed energy use, reduced plastic waste, and changed how researchers work.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Chuck helped Boston Children’s become a model for sustainable labs
What most people get wrong about climate work in hospitals
How storytelling and competition sparked behavior change across 50+ labs
Why fume hoods, defrost kits, and cheese farms all matter more than you think
🎧 Listen now and start spotting climate wins in your own workplace — no matter your job title.
Guest Bio:
Chuck Blanchette is the Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital. He leads their award-winning Green Labs Program, co-chairs the E.A.R.T.H. sustainability group, and was honored as the Phil Wirdzek Emerging Leader in Healthcare. Under his leadership, BCH has become a national leader in lab energy reduction, reuse systems, and sustainable research operations.
He’s also a dad of two — and everything he builds is grounded in a deep commitment to leaving behind a livable planet for the next generation.
📬 Connect with Chuck → LinkedIn
Photos + Substack Story:Check out freezer photos, defrost kits, and behind-the-scenes images from this episode on Substack.
Referenced Organizations & Resources:
My Green Lab - A nonprofit promoting sustainability in science, and the origin of tools like the Freezer Challenge and SWOOP stickers.
International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable lab design, operation, and use. Chuck is actively involved with I2SL and was recognized by them as an emerging leader.
The Freezer Challenge - Hosted by My Green Lab and I2SL. An international competition that encourages labs to optimize cold storage for energy efficiency.
AstraZeneca SWOOP Case Study - “Creating a culture of sustainability across labs”
Credits: 🎙 Any Job Can Be a Climate Job is produced and hosted by Louisa Henry. Original music by Run Riot Run. Logo design by Cassidy Frost.
Subscribe for more episodes on how real people are driving climate impact through their everyday work.
View all episodes
By Louisa HenryHospital labs aren’t where most people look for climate solutions. But Chuck Blanchette did — and found more than anyone expected.
As Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital, Chuck oversees 200+ labs and more than 800 freezers. When he joined the Freezer Challenge, it sparked a transformation: turning routine lab maintenance into a nationally recognized climate program that’s slashed energy use, reduced plastic waste, and changed how researchers work.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Chuck helped Boston Children’s become a model for sustainable labs
What most people get wrong about climate work in hospitals
How storytelling and competition sparked behavior change across 50+ labs
Why fume hoods, defrost kits, and cheese farms all matter more than you think
🎧 Listen now and start spotting climate wins in your own workplace — no matter your job title.
Guest Bio:
Chuck Blanchette is the Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital. He leads their award-winning Green Labs Program, co-chairs the E.A.R.T.H. sustainability group, and was honored as the Phil Wirdzek Emerging Leader in Healthcare. Under his leadership, BCH has become a national leader in lab energy reduction, reuse systems, and sustainable research operations.
He’s also a dad of two — and everything he builds is grounded in a deep commitment to leaving behind a livable planet for the next generation.
📬 Connect with Chuck → LinkedIn
Photos + Substack Story:Check out freezer photos, defrost kits, and behind-the-scenes images from this episode on Substack.
Referenced Organizations & Resources:
My Green Lab - A nonprofit promoting sustainability in science, and the origin of tools like the Freezer Challenge and SWOOP stickers.
International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable lab design, operation, and use. Chuck is actively involved with I2SL and was recognized by them as an emerging leader.
The Freezer Challenge - Hosted by My Green Lab and I2SL. An international competition that encourages labs to optimize cold storage for energy efficiency.
AstraZeneca SWOOP Case Study - “Creating a culture of sustainability across labs”
Credits: 🎙 Any Job Can Be a Climate Job is produced and hosted by Louisa Henry. Original music by Run Riot Run. Logo design by Cassidy Frost.
Subscribe for more episodes on how real people are driving climate impact through their everyday work.