The 2026 Lab Energy Challenge focuses on reducing energy use while maintaining research safety and performance.

Research laboratories are among the most energy-intensive spaces on campus. Laboratory buildings use up to 10 times more energy than office buildings and utilize approximately 45% of total campus energy use, contributing to an annual utility cost of approximately $50 million.

Key drivers of laboratory energy use include:

• Fume Hoods: An open sash costs approximately $6,000 per year in energy use
• Lighting: Average laboratory lighting can cost approximately $2,000 per year
• Ventilation and HVAC: Continuous safety and air change requirements significantly increase energy demand

Challenge Overview

The 2026 Lab Energy Challenge involves four campus buildings with similar HVAC systems and utilities costs funded through a central account. This structure enables consistent tracking, benchmarking and evaluation of energy performance.

Participating buildings include Riddick Hall, Fitts-Woolard Hall, Plant Sciences Building and the CVM Research Building.

• Duration: One-year effort beginning in January 2026
• Baseline: Energy use compared against a four-year historical baseline for each building
• Reporting: Monthly, building-specific feedback reports.
• Performance Tracking: Percentage reduction comparisons to support accountability and shared learning.
• Data Use: Insights will inform future actions in other campus buildings.

Leaderboard

The 2026 Lab Energy Challenge Leaderboard measures the change in energy compared to each building’s historical baseline. To learn more about the data involved, contact Energy Management at save_energy@ncsu.edu.

April 2026 Results
Rank	Building	Energy Change
1	CVM Research Building	22.5% Decrease
2	Fitts-Woolard Hall	3.7% Decrease
3	Riddick Hall	2.2% Decrease
4	Plant Sciences Building	1.8% Increase

Actions That Make an Impact

Lab users are encouraged to take action and adopt the following daily habits:

• Shut the Sash and Snorkel: Close all fume hood sashes and lab snorkels.
• Switch It Off: Turn off the lights.
• Unplug: Power off all unnecessary equipment, including autoclaves when not in use.
• Reduce Water Use: Turn off the faucet.

In addition, the following tips are more ways to save energy:

• Run autoclaves and dishwashers when full
• Consolidate and defrost cold storage
• Choose ACT and ENERGY STAR lab equipment
• Maintain equipment, including cleaning coils on refrigerators and freezers
• Report maintenance issues promptly

Challenge Outcomes

The 2026 Lab Energy Challenge aims to reduce energy use, conserve fiscal resources, identify scalable best practices and reinforce the university’s commitment to sustainability, responsible stewardship and efficient operations.

The success of the Lab Energy Challenge depends on everyday actions and shared responsibility. Lab users and building partners are encouraged to support engagement and information-sharing efforts by using Sustain Our Pack materials to reinforce simple behaviors that reduce energy use.

Questions? Please contact Energy Management at save_energy@ncsu.edu.