International Laboratory Freezer Challenge

This is an international competition that runs from Jan 5, 2026 to June 30, 2026 and encourages freezer best practices! Prizes and recognition are available!

icon to add this event to your google calendarJanuary 5 - June-30, 2026
12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Online
Sponsored by: Office of Campus Sustainability, U-M Medical School, College of Literature Science and the Arts, School of Public Health
Contact Information: agalens@umich.edu

The Freezer Challenge is a competition designed to promote best practices in cold storage management. U-M has thousands of freezers, which are a major contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. Labs can get points for updating freezer inventories, performing defrosts, cleaning filters/coils, upgrading to energy efficient models, and more. These practices save energy and protect the health of cold storage units for a longer lifespan. This challenge takes place globally with U-M specific support and incentives to get our campus research community involved. If you are in LSA, SPH, or the Med School you are eligible to win up to $250 in grant funding to support cold storage best practices and sustainable lab innovations. Register today or reach out to lab-freezer-challenge@umich.edu with questions!

Event Flyer for International Laboratory Freezer Challenge