International Laboratory Freezer Challenge

Labs earn points by adopting sustainable cold storage practices such as defrosting freezers, cleaning coils, adjusting setpoints, and upgrading or retiring inefficient units. These activities are recorded in the official Freezer Challenge scoresheet.

For examples of eligible actions, visit the Best Practices Guide and Official Rules of the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge.

No. Labs do not need to provide actual energy meter readings. Energy savings are estimated automatically based on the actions reported in the scoresheet.

Points are awarded based on the number and impact of actions completed, with additional recognition for energy savings. All participating labs at Western contribute to the University’s overall organizational score.

For full details, see How Scoring Works and Official Rules of the International Laboratory Freezer Challenge. 

Labs can register anytime between January 5 and July 1, 2026. All scoresheets are due by July 1, 2026, marking the end of the Challenge cycle.

Labs that join later in the year will not be at a disadvantage, as any actions completed since July 2025 can be included in their scoresheet for the 2026 Challenge.

Labs can be structured in two ways depending on their objectives:

• Individual Lab Awards: To maintain eligibility for individual Lab Awards, only one lab should be represented per scoresheet. A lab is generally defined as a group of 3-30 people who meet regularly, work on similar science, share resources and equipment within a single building.
• Western’s Organization Award support: Multiple labs or an entire department may be included on a single scoresheet. While these entries are ineligible for individual lab awards, all actions contribute to Western University’s cumulative institutional score. 

Individual labs can earn Top Lab Awards for outstanding performance within their size category. Winning labs receive certificates and are recognized in an online publication, as well as at the I2SL Annual Conference in October. At the institutional level, Western will be eligible for Top Organization Awards, with winning organizations receiving commemorative plaques.

Western will also offer local incentives for participating labs. Labs that sign up by March 31, 2026 will have a chance to win one of three Early Bird Breakfast awards provided by Fisher Scientific. After July 1, 2026, top-scoring labs will be entered into a raffle for a free ULT freezer, with additional details to be announced closer to the end of the Challenge.

For details about the Challenge, visit My Green Lab.

For questions about Western’s participation, contact wwang984@uwo.ca.

Routine maintenance helps reduce ice accumulation and improve performance. Cleaning coils and filters, and scheduling defrosting when frost begins to interfere with storage space or door closure can improve energy efficiency. Keeping units appropriately loaded and ensuring doors close securely further supports stable performance.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when defrosting to ensure proper handling. Defrosting should be scheduled during downtime and completed only after samples are transferred to suitable backup storage. Ice can be removed with non-sharp tools to avoid damage, and shelves or racks may be taken out if needed. Once defrosted, the interior should be dried before restarting the unit and returning samples.

Sample storage should follow validated temperature requirements and manufacturer guidance to ensure safety and stability. When supported by appropriate preservation methods, some materials can be stored at warmer temperatures, allowing set points to be adjusted to reduce energy use. Consolidating and organizing inventory also reduces the number of active units and supports efficient temperature management.

Replacement may be needed when freezers show frequent temperature alarms, slow temperature recovery, persistent frost buildup, or rising maintenance costs. Older units often consume more energy and may be less reliable over time. Assessing the unit’s age, condition, and operational impact can help determine if replacement is appropriate.

Key considerations include storage capacity, available space, and performance features like temperature uniformity and recovery time. Reliability, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage are also important factors. Choosing energy-efficient models, such as ENERGY STAR®, ACT®, or RoHS-certified options, supports long-term performance and sustainability.