Cold Truths and Cool Wins: How BCH Labs Are Cutting Costs and Carbon Through Freezer Maintenance
Cold Truths and Cool Wins: Recapping Our F.R.E.D. Talk with Follett
What do broken -80°C freezers, high energy bills, and lab safety risks have in common? They’re all avoidable outcomes when labs adopt a proactive approach to freezer maintenance. That was the focus of our recent F.R.E.D. Talk (Freezer Reducing Energy Discussion) hosted by Boston Children’s Hospital Green Labs, featuring expert insights from Sean at Follett and me, Chuck Blanchette.
The talk unpacked the true environmental and financial impact of ultra-low-temperature (ULT) freezers and how simple, scheduled maintenance can drive meaningful change.
Freezers Are Energy Hogs in Disguise
A single ULT freezer can consume as much electricity as a small household. When ice buildup is ignored, energy use increases by 25–30%, airflow is reduced, and unit failure becomes more likely. With repairs ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars and replacements costing upwards of $20,000, research institutions have high stakes.
Step-by-Step: How to Defrost Freezers Safely and Efficiently
During the talk, we broke down Boston Children’s Hospital’s official defrosting protocol:
Conduct proper safety prep, including PPE
Coordinate with Research Operations and Engineering to disconnect alarms and identify backup storage
Allow 72 hours for full defrosting with doors open
Avoid metal tools—use only plastic scrapers
Sanitize and monitor units before returning samples
When done annually, this process extends freezer lifespan by 3–5 years and improves sample integrity.
Why It Matters: Data-Driven Impact
Since launching the BCH Freezer Challenge in 2022, participation has grown from 8 to 33 labs. BCH research has avoided more than 108 metric tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to taking over 25 cars off the road. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, participating labs gain improved sample access, lower maintenance costs, and more funds available for research.
Behavior Change that Lasts: The H.E.D.G.E. Method
We introduced a sustainable behavior change framework called the H.E.D.G.E. Method:
Highlight the issue (e.g., frost buildup, alarm triggers)
Educate lab staff on why it matters
Demonstrate the correct process
Guide peers using tools and templates
Enable labs to take ownership and track progress
This people-first approach ensures that sustainability becomes embedded in lab culture, not just another checklist item.
The International Freezer Challenge: A Win for Labs and the Planet
Hosted by My Green Lab and I2SL, the International Freezer Challenge rewards labs for innovative freezer management practices like defrosting, cleaning, retiring inefficient units, and reducing inventory waste. BCH has earned the Top Clinical Organization award for three consecutive years, and with momentum building, 2025 could mark a fourth.
Labs that participate benefit from:
Fewer equipment failures
Increased storage efficiency
Greater awareness of energy use
Public recognition and institutional pride
Call to Action
If you missed the live session, you can watch the full F.R.E.D. Talk here.
To learn more, visit www.BCHGreenLabs.com or email chuckblanchette@childrens.harvard.edu. We're here to help your lab make smarter, more sustainable choices.
Let’s lead by example and make energy efficiency part of our scientific mission.