Higher Educational Institutions

Attention academic leaders, students, and industry partners from Green Chemistry Commitment institutions! Join Beyond Benign and the green chemistry community at the 2026 GCC Summit to explore how to implement and scale green chemistry in higher education. Our global community can participate virtually on June 10th or in person on June 14th at the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Now in its 9th year, the GCC Summit aims to foster deeper engagement with green chemistry across curricula, laboratories, and workforce development. The program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, working groups, and case studies that highlight the systems, partnerships, and strategies needed to embed green chemistry at scale.

GCC Signers: Check your email for an invitation from our team and register to join us for one (or both!) of these gatherings: 

🧑‍💻 Virtual: June 10th, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. UTC
📍 In person: June 14th, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT | Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

Attention academic leaders, students, and industry partners from Green Chemistry Commitment institutions! Join Beyond Benign and the green chemistry community at the 2026 GCC Summit to explore how to implement and scale green chemistry in higher education. Our global community can participate virtually on June 10th or in person on June 14th at the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Now in its 9th year, the GCC Summit aims to foster deeper engagement with green chemistry across curricula, laboratories, and workforce development. The program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, working groups, and case studies that highlight the systems, partnerships, and strategies needed to embed green chemistry at scale.

GCC Signers: Check your email for an invitation from our team and register to join us for one (or both!) of these gatherings: 

🧑‍💻 Virtual: June 10th, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. UTC
📍 In person: June 14th, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT | Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

This workshop will bring together representatives from various green labs programs to share strategies for establishing and expanding green labs on university campuses. With the significant environmental impact of scientific research, it is essential for R1 institutions to implement green labs initiatives to help meet sustainability and climate goals. Green labs programs not only enhance lab safety but also equip scientists with essential skills in efficiency and sustainability, which are increasingly valued in the research field. These programs have proven to save institutions money and positively impact energy and water conservation, waste reduction, community building, and educational opportunities for researchers, students, and faculty. The workshop will cover a range of topics, including program setup, funding sources, stakeholder engagement, incentive strategies, and the structural elements that drive program success. Participants will have ample opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions, and participate in smaller group sessions for deeper exploration and problem-solving on specific topics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Gain insights into effective strategies for starting and scaling green labs programs on university campuses.
2. Understand the environmental, financial, and educational benefits of green labs initiatives.
3. Learn about various funding sources, engagement tactics, and incentive strategies to support green labs programs.
4. Explore best practices for building a strong network of campus stakeholders to drive green labs initiatives.
5. Engage in collaborative discussions and problem-solving with peers to address challenges and share successful approaches.

Facilitators

• Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, Green Labs Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder
• Ryan Weeks, Sr. Sustainability Specialist, Green Labs & Zero Waste, Johns Hopkins University
• Emily Colpack, Green Labs Coordinator, University of Alabama at Birmingham
• Leoncio Lagarde, Green Labs Program Assistant & Outreach Coordinator, University of Colorado Boulder
   

Registration Fees* 

Individual (non-student) associated with an AASHE member organization* -- $95

Individual (non-student) not associated with an AASHE member organization -- $125

Student -- $50

Groups -- Full price for first registrant and 20% off for each subsequent registrant

* To check if your organization is a current AASHE member, please search the AASHE Membership Directory.

A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who need financial assistance to participate. Please apply two weeks before the program begins (e.g., 2/20/2025) to be considered for a scholarship for this workshop.