Reducing energy use in research labs

May 22, 2026

Improving cold storage practices reduces environmental impact

Laboratory freezers are among the most energy-intensive pieces of equipment researchers use. A single ultra-low-temperature freezer can consume as much electricity as an average household. Inefficient storage practices, overfilled or poorly maintained freezers and unnecessarily low temperature settings further increase environmental impact and operational costs. 

Researchers can significantly reduce these impacts by participating in initiatives such as the global Freezer Challenge and the ASU Green Lab program, while investing in energy-efficient equipment. 

The Freezer Challenge, hosted on ASU campuses through June 2026, is a free virtual competition led by My Green Lab. The ASU program incentivizes labs to optimize temperature settings by raising the temperature from the manufacturer’s base setting of −80 °C to −70 °C. 

Wendy Winslow, senior research laboratory manager for ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and ASU’s Freezer Challenge administrator, tracks energy use in campus labs. Winslow cited a 2024 study that found lab freezers set to −70 °C preserved DNA and RNA samples as effectively as those set to −80 °C, the industry standard.   

When appropriate for stored materials, adjusting freezer temperatures can reduce energy consumption without compromising sample integrity. In her lab, Winslow observed a 25% reduction in energy consumption after one month of operating a freezer at −70 °C. Lab users can email Winslow to participate in the Freezer Challenge through June 2026.   

ASU labs interested in a more comprehensive sustainability approach can register as an ASU Green Lab. The program provides labs with tools and recommendations to reduce environmental impact across their operations. This includes recycling and waste reduction, water conservation, and guidance on buying more sustainable products and equipment. 

Labs can also reduce energy consumption and costs by upgrading to newer, energy-efficient freezer models. For example, ENERGY STAR®–certified freezers are available from approved ASU vendors. 

While ultra-low-temperature freezers may have higher upfront costs, they often lower the total cost of ownership by reducing energy use and maintenance needs. Following is a comparison of two laboratory freezers, both with a 19.4-cubic-foot capacity, based on an electricity rate of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. 

Although the ENERGY STAR® model costs about $5,000 more upfront, it saves approximately $746 per year in energy and maintenance. Over 10 years, savings reach about $2,460. 

Departments can contact ASU Supply Chain to estimate potential savings from upgrading to more efficient freezer models. 

Simple actions such as adjusting freezer temperatures, improving storage practices, and investing in more energy-efficient equipment can save money while supporting ASU’s sustainability goals. 


Editor’s note: This article is part of a series about sustainable purchasing at ASU. Topics include sustainable purchasing best practices, notable suppliers and resources.