UCSB Sustainability

The Laboratory Assessments for Research Sustainability (LARS) Program works with laboratory occupants to assess research sustainability in the areas of energy, equipment, materials, water, training and awareness, communication, commuting and travel, fieldwork, and innovation.

To learn more about our process;
Please explore the following documents starting with the overview document which will give you a quick synopsis of how we operate.

Overview
This document is an overview of the LARS program and our procedures. We give this to participating laboratories before beginning assessments.

Lab Tour Data Sheet
LARS representatives use this document to guide the lab tour with a laboratory's manager during the Informational Meeting (step one in the overview document).

Lab Walk Thru Worksheet
LARS representatives use this document to collect data on equipment energy use and general observations about the laboratory.  The document can be completed with or without the lab manager present and is used in data collection phase (step two in the overview document).

Interview Questions
These questions will be answered by the lab manager in a sit-down informational meeting (step three in the overview document).

Assessment Database
This is a database containing all the information collected in the lab tour data sheet, lab walk thru worksheet, and interview questions.  LARS representatives compile this information in the analysis phase (step four in the overview document).

Evaluation Form
This is the form presented in the certificate and next steps phase (step five in the overview document) where LARS representatives meet with laboratory staff to discuss their sustainability achievements, opportunities for sustainable practices, self determined goals, and address any follow up questions.