Ideas on how institutions can connect efficiency to research funding: 

Research institutions, such as universities, can take action, too, to connect efficiency expectations and sustainability to their institutional investments in research and lay a cultural foundation to inspire such actions/requests on the part of scientists. ​

1. New faculty start-up packages and offer letter language could be structured to support more of a community approach to research resources (such as shared equipment in shared spaces) rather than an individualized culture (non-shared resources in individual labs) that leads to inefficiency.  For example, instead of the use of start-up dollars to purchase duplicative equipment resources already present at an institution, start-up packages could be structured to meet the needs of new faculty by a) providing funding to utilize existing shared equipment facilities and b) even expanding the equipment capabilities of those facilities by purchasing equipment that a new faculty member will need but requiring it to be placed in a shared facilities so the greater science community can also access it. 
2. Foster a culture of efficiency and sustainability with researchers by engaging departments and colleges to incorporate efficiency and sustainability in the recruitment, application, and orientation process for new faculty, staff, and graduate students (also incorporate into required training/ethics courses).  Scientists typically go into their field of study because they want to make a positive difference in the world.  Institutions could encourage researchers to join their institution by pointing out the efficiency/sustainability efforts in place that will help them save money and reduce the environmental footprint of their research.   If your institution or campus does not yet have a green labs program, hire a manager and create one.  Many existing green labs programs would be happy to share tips and advice for starting such programs, including the CU Boulder Green Labs Program. 
3. Re-organization of lab operations to benefit shared resources and space efficiency - When space gets tight, instead of looking to expansion or new construction of laboratory space, consider a far more cost effective and energy efficient approach...engage scientists to reorganize laboratory operations by consolidating similar equipment or processes into shared spaces maintained by a manager.  Institutional support of the manager could incentivize such actions for space efficiency by scientists.  These opportunities also present a chance to identify ways to improve research conditions for scientists.  Also, consider implementing and incentivizing re-organizational efforts as part of laboratory moves, renovations or new construction for optimal space utilization.  
4. Implement Smart Labs in laboratory buildings - The Smart Labs Toolkit is a free tool that provides a roadmap for improving laboratory ventilation for large energy savings and safety benefits.  The benefits of this program has been tested and proven by the University of California Irvine (the original creator of this initiative) and is being implemented by more and more institutions across the nation.  As laboratory buildings are renovated or constructed, this is an ideal time implement strategies in the Smart Labs Toolkit.  
5. Connect energy efficiency and sustainability to research procurement such as requiring the purchase of Energy Star ratings for laboratory grade freezers or refrigerators, and requesting that companies obtain ACT labels for their laboratory equipment and supplies.  
6. Voluntarily incorporate efforts for efficiency in Facilities and Administrative Rate applications to the federal government to demonstrate what your institution is doing to keep overhead costs down.  This is particularly important for efficient research space utilization for reasons described in more detail on on this page. 
7. Participate in BETR Grants by incorporating actions for efficiency in grant proposals​​​​

Examples of Core Facilities at CU Boulder

Smart Labs Toolkit