The introduction of LED microscope lighting in 2006 revolutionised many aspects of microscopy – including sustainability. Scientists now have a high-performance and sustainable alternative to toxic mercury-based lamps and energy-hungry halogen lighting.
We actively support sustainability through initiatives including the My Green Lab ACT Label Certification and a product Take-Back scheme, helping organisations reach their Scope 3 goals on the journey towards net zero carbon emissions.
“It’s great to see how My Green Labs and CoolLED are helping to move things ahead in the area of laboratory sustainability”. – Todd Lynch, UCLA Capital Programs
An independent comparison study of a CoolLED Illumination System and a traditional mercury bulb was carried out by Andy Evans of Green Light Laboratories. This mercury versus LED study found that a mercury lamp consumed more than 10 times more energy over 25,000 hours of use compared to a CoolLED pE-300ultra, with a potential saving of £30,000.
These numbers might seem surprising, but the reason is this: Conventional mercury based microscope illuminators such as mercury and metal halide bulbs require a warm up period before use and a cool down period after switch off before they can be safely used again. On the other hand, LED illuminators for microscopes switch on/off instantly and need only draw power when illumination is required. Many laboratories leave their mercury based illuminators switched on all day to ensure its availability when required, yet LED microscope lighting can be powered up in no time at all.
Mercury in the environment gradually accumulates in tissue as it passes through the food chain, damaging wildlife populations. Due to its harm to people and the environment, the use and disposal of mercury is subject to legislation in many countries. More information can be found here.
It also poses a significant health and safety risk to humans, and offers another reason to adopt LED microscope lighting for fluorescence microscopy.
Proving our commitment to shaping a more sustainable future for microscopy around the world, the pE-300 Series is ACT Label certified.
With almost 40 % of energy at university campuses being used by laboratories, steps need to be taken to increase the sustainability of lab technology. That’s why we’ve strived to achieve ACT Label accreditation for the pE-300 Series.
Introduced by My Green Lab, the ACT Label stands for accountability, consistency and transparency. It’s a means of measuring the Environmental Impact Factor of a product by reviewing the environmental impact of the product itself, its manufacturing process, packaging and disposal.
It allows institutions to purchase lab equipment with the knowledge they are not only helping the world they live in-but keeping energy, water and disposal costs down for themselves.
All qualifying products that are subject to the WEEE Directive and supplied by CoolLED are compliant with the WEEE marking requirements. Such products are marked with the “crossed out wheelie bin” WEEE symbol and in accordance with European Standard EN 50419.
CoolLED Certificate No: WEE/GB4236XX
Find out more about the WEEE Directive here.
Based on information obtained from our component suppliers, this statement certifies that ALL products manufactured and supplied by CoolLED Ltd are in compliance with Directive 2015/863 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2015 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (also known as “RoHS”).
This declaration is correct to the best of CoolLED Ltd knowledge, information and belief at the date of its release. Contact CoolLED for more information.
Based on information obtained from our component suppliers, this statement certifies that ALL products manufactured and supplied by CoolLED Ltd are in compliance with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) regulations and do not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
This declaration is correct to the best of Cool LED Ltd knowledge, information and belief at the date of its release. Contact CoolLED for more information.
We are pleased to provide a Take-Back Programme that enables CoolLED resellers and end-users to send back used CoolLED Illumination Systems for recycling, free of charge.
Together we can reduce the burden on our environment through responsible disposal and recycling of End‑of‑Life Illumination Systems. You can help us by filling in our online contact form and providing us with your contact details and the serial number of the CoolLED Illumination System that you wish to return and we will collect it free of charge.
If you are taking delivery of a replacement CoolLED Illumination System, why not send the old one back in the packing box of the new one?
We would encourage CoolLED customers to recycle all cardboard packaging received with one of our products responsibly through the appropriate local channels.
Our commitment to sustainability runs through the entire organisation and we take our responsibility seriously, constantly striving to reduce our own environmental impact.
We now use 100% renewable energy, have a robust recycling scheme and LED lighting (with PIR lighting in less frequented areas). USBs accompanying our products now have cardboard housing and recycled plastic bag packaging.
But it doesn’t stop there – we are always looking for ways to further improve and are keen to hear new ideas, so please contact us to share your advice!
Need something a little different?
For manufacturers who wish to gain a competitive advantage through bright, stable and controllable illumination, CoolLED’s world-renowned LED technology is available in customised configurations.
Did you know that LED illumination systems help laboratories reduce their carbon footprint, protecting laboratory staff along the way?
Toxic mercury-based microscope illuminators are bad news for the environment, draw a lot of power and have a short lifetime.
LED illumination systems are cleaner, have a long lifetime and use less power. Our pE-300 Series is also ACT label certified and is a natural choice for labs who want to play their part in helping the environment.
At CoolLED we are committed to giving our customers outstanding service right from the start and throughout the lifetime of the product. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like a quote. You can also browse our site for technical resources and general support.