Support the International Fume Hood Challenge

The International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) is planning a friendly competition among laboratory buildings to improve safety and reduce energy use in fume hoods. Currently under development, the I2SL International Fume Hood Challenge will bring together green labs professionals, researchers, facility managers, safety officers, manufacturers, and service providers with a goal of saving energy and ensuring the safe and effective operation of fume hoods. The Challenge, which will launch in early 2027, will score lab buildings on a variety of activities to ensure safe and efficient use of fume hoods.

Volunteers are welcome to join a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) working on the program structure, scoring, materials, marketing, and other key elements of the Challenge program. A TAG kickoff call will be held on Thursday, April 30, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, and volunteers are asked to complete a form to receive an invitation to join the call.

TAG members will spend 1-2 hours per month reviewing the following high-priority tasks from May to August (with additional Challenge preparation, materials, and recruitment continuing throughout the fall):

• Defining sash height data collection needs and savings calculation methods

• Defining other data requests to be used for scoring Challenge entries

• Assembling testing scripts for simplified HVAC system testing

• Developing initial outreach plans and instructions for Challenge participants

I2SL is also seeking a small number of “core contributor” volunteers with specific expertise to complete the initial work described above for TAG review. The core time commitment during active task work will be about 8 hours per month. If you are interested in joining a TAG or being a core contributor, please fill out this form.

I2SL is also accepting sponsors for the program; contact kathleen.brady@erg.com if you are interested. We appreciate your support for the International Fume Hood Challenge!