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NIH Record - National Institutes of Health

NIH Issues New Energy-Saving Freezer Policy

A person wearing orange gloves reaches into a fridge

With energy conservation in mind, NIH has set a new policy on management of ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers, which provide storage for preserving research-related materials. Well-maintained, energy-efficient ULT freezers can play a significant role in reducing NIH cold storage costs and preserving medical research funds.

NIH’s new policy requires that institutes and centers purchase energy-efficient ULT freezers when acquiring new units and perform regular preventive maintenance on all ULT freezers in NIH facilities. The Division of Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Services can help ICs meet both of these requirements. The policy also encourages ICs to use the division’s new equipment sales and rental program.

“DSEIS is really a one-stop shop for lab equipment needs, including ULT freezers,” notes Anju Vergheese, chief of the Scientific Equipment Rental & Sales Branch. “We can reduce the administrative burden, save staff time and negotiate low costs. We also offer budget-friendly, rent-to-buy agreements that ensure ICs comply with the new NIH policy.”

For policy details, see https://outreach.ors.nih.gov/2016/10/27/new-nih-freezer-policy-are-you-in-compliance/. For more information, visit http://dseis.od.nih.gov, contact Vergheese (sales and rental agreements) at (301) 496-9748, or Jerry Tyus (maintenance and repair) at (301) 451-1753.

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