During the busy holiday season, the Beaver Water District laboratory reached an impressive milestone: they earned the highest level of laboratory sustainability certification for the second time. This achievement shows the lab’s strong dedication to eco friendly practices, using resources wisely, and continually improving how they work.
The Story Behind Their Sustainability Efforts
Almost three years ago, the Beaver Water District lab began working toward becoming certified in sustainability. Led by Lab Supervisor Nikki Holloway, the team set a big goal—to achieve Green Level Certification, the highest level offered by the nonprofit organization My Green Lab.
My Green Lab, founded in 2013, focuses on helping scientific labs reduce their environmental impact. After nine months of hard work, the lab earned Green Level Certification in fall 2023, becoming the first drinking water laboratory in North America to reach this top level.
Because Green Level Certification only lasts for two years, the team prepared for recertification in late 2025, knowing it would be tougher the second time.
Green Certification Gets an Upgrade
In 2024, My Green Lab partnered with another nonprofit, Impact Laboratories, which serves as an independent verifier. Together, they created the updated MGL 2.0 certification, released in January 2025.
The new version has higher standards, including:
- A more detailed assessment and documentation process
- A customized tool to estimate environmental impact
- Independent third‑party validation
These updates helped make MGL 2.0 the most trusted and well‑recognized laboratory sustainability certification in the world, and it is the only green lab certification recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Results of Their Hard Work
After an 11‑week recertification process, the Beaver Water District lab once again earned the highest level of Green Certification. Thanks to the new Impact Estimator, the team could also better understand the environmental and financial benefits of their sustainable practices.
Here are some highlights of their efforts:
- Annual Energy Savings: $7,726.55\ Equivalent to the yearly energy use of about four homes
- Annual Water Savings: $36,072.97\ Equivalent to roughly 133,000 ten‑minute showers in Northwest Arkansas
- Plastics Recycled: 97.6 lbs. per year\ Nearly 50,000 single‑use plastic pipette tips kept out of landfills
- Gloves Recycled: 13.8 lbs. per year\ More than 1,400 gloves recycled instead of thrown away
This accomplishment is more than just a certification. It reflects the team’s dedication, teamwork, and forward thinking approach. By treating sustainability as a core value, the lab continues to lead by example—showing that environmental responsibility and high quality scientific work can go hand in hand.