Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive buildings in the world.

But many organizations still underestimate the operational, energy, and waste impacts happening inside research environments every day.

In this episode of Clear Haze Exchange, Marcus Hazelwood speaks with Ila Summitt, molecular biologist and Sustainability Certification Manager at My Green Lab. 

With more than 20 years of experience in academic, biotech, and clinical laboratory settings, Ila shares how labs can improve sustainability without compromising scientific integrity.

This conversation explores:

•  why laboratories can consume 10x more energy than office buildings 
•  the hidden operational impact of fume hoods and ultra-low freezers 
•  how behavioral change drives measurable sustainability improvements 
•  why waste and energy use in labs are often overlooked 
•  how universities and biotech organizations are approaching sustainable science 
•  the role of culture, leadership, and operational awareness 
•  and how programs like My Green Lab Certification and the International Freezer Challenge are creating measurable global impact 

A key takeaway from this episode:

➡️ Sustainability in laboratories is not just about carbon reduction—it’s about operational intelligence, efficiency, and long-term performance.

This is a must-listen for professionals involved in:

•  laboratory operations 
•  higher education 
•  biotech and life sciences 
•  facilities management 
•  sustainability strategy 
•  healthcare research 
•  and high-performance building operations