Case study of low-cost energy reductions in shared research laboratories at a U.S. public university

Lorena A. Tran; Alexandra Loren; Shakayla Lamer; Sarah Ernst; Griffin Boysen; Mitchell J. Riley; Katarina Kulhankova; Linda Powers; Ashley L. Cooney; Ian M. Thornell; Emma M. Stapleton

doi:10.3389/frsus.2026.1729128

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Case study of low-cost energy reductions in shared research laboratories at a U.S. public university

Journal article

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Case study of low-cost energy reductions in shared research laboratories at a U.S. public university

Lorena A. Tran, Alexandra Loren, Shakayla Lamer, Sarah Ernst, Griffin Boysen, Mitchell J. Riley, Katarina Kulhankova, Linda Powers, Ashley L. Cooney, Ian M. Thornell, …

Frontiers in sustainability (Lausanne), Vol.7, 1729128

06/01/2026

DOI: 10.3389/frsus.2026.1729128

PMCID: PMC13309262

PMID: 42367744

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Abstract

Scientific sample storage and assay development require vast energy; decreasing the laboratory’s footprint addresses urgent climate needs and efficient use of indirect funds. However, external sustainability certifications require financing and administrative buy-in. We describe our near zero-cost effort to improve energy efficiency within a U.S. public university system.

biomedical research

efficiency

energy-saving

low-cost interventions

sustainability

Details

Title: Subtitle: Case study of low-cost energy reductions in shared research laboratories at a U.S. public university
Creators: Lorena A. Tran - University of Iowa
Alexandra Loren - University of Iowa
Shakayla Lamer - University of Iowa
Sarah Ernst - University of Iowa
Griffin Boysen - University of Iowa
Mitchell J. Riley - University of Iowa, Internal Medicine
Katarina Kulhankova - University of Iowa, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics
Linda Powers - University of Iowa, Internal Medicine
Ashley L. Cooney - University of Iowa
Ian M. Thornell - University of Iowa
Emma M. Stapleton - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Frontiers in sustainability (Lausanne), Vol.7, 1729128
DOI: 10.3389/frsus.2026.1729128
PMID: 42367744
PMCID: PMC13309262
NLM abbreviation: Front Sustain (Lausanne)
ISSN: 2673-4524
eISSN: 2673-4524
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
Grant note: Environmental Health Sciences Research Center Career Development Award: NIEHS/NIH P30 ES005605
The author(s) declared that financial support was received for this work and/or its publication. This study was supported by the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center Career Development Award, NIEHS/NIH P30 ES005605 (ES).
Language: English
Date published: 06/01/2026
Academic Unit: Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Occupational Medicine; Pulmonary Medicine; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9985176645902771

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