Recycling an aluminum can saves enough energy to run a tv for two hours or a computer for three hours.
January 27, 2025
The International Freezer Challenge 2025 is now open. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Office of Energy & Sustainability at WCM-Sustainability@med.cornell.edu.
This international event runs yearly from January 1 to July 1. During this time, laboratories fill out a questionnaire that reports their cold storage practices, earning points for the actions completed during the year. The International Freezer Challenge saved 31.8 million kWh/year, equal to 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
This free competition is organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) and My Green Lab to promote cold storage best practices while improving lab energy efficiency, extending equipment life, and better protecting temperature-sensitive samples.
2024 Results
During the 2024 challenge, a total of 14 WCM laboratories participated, collectively saving an estimated 170 kWh/day, which is the equivalent of avoiding 8 gallons of gasoline per day.
2024 Winners
The Jones Lab in the Department of Infectious Diseases was the overall winner of the competition and received a pizza party sponsored by the Office of Energy & Sustainability.
The Fitzgerald Lab in the Center for Global Health had the most points per lab member and was awarded sustainable gift bags.
Congratulations to all participants for their incredible efforts – and we look forward to even more energy-saving efforts in the future!
