By Sarah Fullerton
Digital Communications Specialist
Under the guidance of laboratory instructor Leanne Racicot, the chemistry department has achieved a notable milestone by transforming one of its teaching labs into an environmentally friendly space for student learning. This initiative is in accordance with the University of Waterloo's Neutral Climate Action Plan.
Since she was a chemistry student, Racicot has always been environmentally conscious. In her student days, she prioritized recycling and approached projects with a green mindset. Now, in her role as a laboratory instructor overseeing her own lab, Racicot is driven by the desire to teach students how to perform science in a sustainable way. Her goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills to conduct experiments in an eco-friendly manner with the hope that they will carry this into their future careers and contribute to driving positive change within their respective industries.
When Racicot was told her lab was being relocated, she saw it as an opportunity to allow her passion for sustainability to be reflected in her teaching environment. The new space presented challenges, particularly regarding installing standard ducted fume hoods, which was restricted due to HVAC capacity constraints. Racicot explored options and found an innovative solution: ductless fume hoods. These hoods use less energy by efficiently purifying contaminated air and recirculating it back into the laboratory. Additionally, the revamped lab includes notable features such as recirculating chillers and vacuum filtration systems that reduce tap water usage.
The result is a brighter, more organized space that has created a new type of learning environment for students. “I teach approximately 700 students in my lab each term, and the feedback has been very positive,” says Racicot. “My students and TAs are enjoying the benefits of the new equipment, and they feel even better knowing the lab was constructed with sustainability in mind.”
Notably, the lab retrofit is saving the university approximately $90,000 annually in heating and cooling costs. Racicot is actively working towards obtaining a Green Lab Certification and looks forward to being a part of a network that offers resources and information from a community of eco-conscious scientists. The certification will affirm the department’s commitment to providing the best education for its students, while also leading the way to a more sustainable future in science.