The Freezer Challenge is an annual event designed to promote and educate labs around the world on energy efficient cold storage practices.

Why Join the Freezer Challenge?

Freezers and refrigerators can use a large amount of energy, especially if they are older models that are not maintained regularly or are not energy efficient. This can lead to energy waste and operational issues.

Each ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer could use up to an equivalent amount of electricity as a typical single family home. ULT freezers incur maintenance costs. When a freezer fails, samples may be lost permanently or damaged, jeopardizing research projects and data archives. And, without sample management tools, samples and bioassay materials can be misplaced or forgotten about, resulting in an uncertain archive of important scientific data.

What is the Freezer Challenge?

The Freezer Challenge is an annual event designed to promote and educate labs around the world on energy efficient cold storage practices. The goals for the Freezer Challenge are to save energy, retire as many freezers as possible, and improve sample access and security.

The annual Freezer Challenge typically runs from October to June.

Participating UC Davis labs can obtain points in multiple categories by undertaking various best practices, such as cleaning out freezers, retiring old freezers/refrigerators, and freezer temperature tuning. Winners will be determined by most points won.

How Do I Join?

Sign up on the Freezer Challenge website and learn how to manage your freezers for safety and sustainability.

Actions and points are detailed in the score sheet that participants will receive when they register. To win points, participants must record their actions in the score sheet and submit it before the deadline.