Fume hoods are an essential safety and engineering control in laboratories, but they require significant energy to operate. A standard six-foot hood exhausting air at 100 linear feet per minute (LFM) and with the sash open 18 inches can exhaust nearly 1.5 million cubic feet of conditioned air every day. Because of this, laboratory ventilation systems can account for up to half of a lab’s total energy use, and a single hood can consume as much energy as 3.5 homes! Simply closing the sash when the hood is not in use can reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%.

Because fume hoods constantly exhaust air to the outdoors, minimizing sash height is the most effective way to reduce their energy demand. The sash also serves as a key safety barrier and should be opened only when setting up or adjusting an experiment.

To support safer and more sustainable laboratory practices, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) has placed Shut the Sash reminder stickers on all variable-flow chemical fume hoods. The stickers provide a simple, visible prompt to close the sash whenever the hood is not actively in use.

Will these stickers actually save energy?
Actual savings depend on lab users, but U.S. Department of Energy research has shown that reminder stickers significantly improve both laboratory safety and energy efficiency.

What other lab practices can reduce energy consumption?

• Use the “Ventilation Start” button only in emergencies. This function drives air exchange to maximum capacity and is extremely energy intensive. Pull the button out to deactivate it.
• Do not store chemicals in a fume hood. Store them in an appropriate safety cabinet, which does not require high airflow.
• Use right-sized equipment and turn it off when not in use, particularly equipment that maintains a constant temperature (hot or cold), as it consumes substantial energy.

How do I use these stickers or request more?
EHS staff have placed Shut the Sash stickers on fume hoods across campus, typically on the right or left side of the hood. When the sash is aligned with the smiley face, you’ll know it is fully and safely closed.

If your lab installs new equipment or you believe a hood was missed, please contact EHS at ehs@rpi.edu and we will be happy to provide additional stickers.