In 2021, the University of Illinois once again placed first in the International Freezer Challenge, winning the "Winning Streak Award" for the 2nd consecutive year. 

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EcoOlympics was happy to award our top labs with gift certificates to high-end dining establishments in the Champaign-Urbana area, as well as Certificates in Leadership in Sustainable Lab Practices from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation.

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There were 34 laboratories that participated, they discarded over 2million samples and reduced 21 Ultra-low freezers saving an estimated 1055 kWh/day, or $32,385/year! This was enough energy to power 35 U.S. standard homes.