MMSD’s Central Laboratory Attains Green Lab Certification for Sustainable Practices

Recognition for being efficient, protecting our environment, and providing sustainable, low-cost solutions are hard to come by. To gain that recognition, we must all do our part.

Today, I am excited and proud to share that the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s (MMSD) Central Laboratory is one of the first municipal laboratories in the nation to obtain Green Lab Certification. We were awarded the highest level of certification, “Green”, by My Green Lab.  The My Green Lab Certification program is considered the international gold standard in lab sustainability best practices. 

MMSD’s lab is a core function to everything MMSD does. The lab provides the analysis that proves we are meeting the expectations of our regulators and our public and facilitates our decision-making process.

To be more sustainable, this certification was a path toward that goal. The lab staff started recycling gloves, shutting fume hood sashes, installing aerators, fixing leaking sinks, and switching from plastic to glass whenever possible. The biggest change, with the most substantial impact so far, has been the education and engagement of all laboratory staff on sustainable processes.  Through this process, we have generated a knowledge and commitment to identify further improvements in our equipment, enhanced education practices, and identified sustainable products that will move us further down this path to a sustainable lab.

Throughout the 11-month certification journey, we connected with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD).  It was a pleasure and a great mutual benefit to share successes and ideas with another municipal laboratory working to achieve My Green Lab certification.  

As we look forward, we seek to continuously improve by updating to energy-efficient equipment, maintaining awareness of our resource use, and avoiding unnecessary waste. Our Green Lab certification reiterates our unwavering dedication to environmental protection in our community and now within our laboratory. 

MMSD’s lab staff stepped forward! Thank you to all of you for your dedication to our region!

Be Safe. Be Understanding. Be Kind.

Kevin L. Shafer, P.E.
Executive Director - Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District 

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