The Johns Hopkins University Retrovirus Laboratory has been recognized as the 2026 Academic Sector Large Lab Award winner in the International Freezer Challenge, a global sustainability competition coordinated by My Green Lab® and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL).

The Freezer Challenge encourages research laboratories to adopt best practices for cold storage management, including improving freezer organization, maintaining accurate sample inventories, retiring obsolete materials, and optimizing freezer performance. These efforts reduce energy consumption, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term stewardship of valuable research resources.

The Retrovirus Laboratory was recognized for achieving an estimated 231 kWh of energy savings per day, demonstrating the laboratory’s commitment to both scientific excellence and environmental sustainability.

This international recognition highlights how thoughtful operational improvements can reduce environmental impact while supporting the critical biomedical research conducted at Johns Hopkins.