Any Job Can Be A Climate Job The Freezer That Sparked a Climate Movement at Boston’s Children’s Hospital
Hospital labs aren’t where most people look for climate solutions. But Chuck Blanchette did — and found more than anyone expected.
As Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital, Chuck oversees 200+ labs and more than 800 freezers. When he joined the Freezer Challenge, it sparked a transformation: turning routine lab maintenance into a nationally recognized climate program that’s slashed energy use, reduced plastic waste, and changed how researchers work.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Chuck helped Boston Children’s become a model for sustainable labs
What most people get wrong about climate work in hospitals
How storytelling and competition sparked behavior change across 50+ labs
Why fume hoods, defrost kits, and cheese farms all matter more than you think
🎧 Listen now and start spotting climate wins in your own workplace — no matter your job title.
Guest Bio:
Chuck Blanchette is the Manager of Research Facilities at Boston Children’s Hospital. He leads their award-winning Green Labs Program, co-chairs the E.A.R.T.H. sustainability group, and was honored as the Phil Wirdzek Emerging Leader in Healthcare. Under his leadership, BCH has become a national leader in lab energy reduction, reuse systems, and sustainable research operations.
He’s also a dad of two — and everything he builds is grounded in a deep commitment to leaving behind a livable planet for the next generation.
📬 Connect with Chuck → LinkedIn
Photos + Substack Story:Check out freezer photos, defrost kits, and behind-the-scenes images from this episode on Substack.
Referenced Organizations & Resources:
My Green Lab - A nonprofit promoting sustainability in science, and the origin of tools like the Freezer Challenge and SWOOP stickers.
International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL) - A nonprofit organization dedicated to sustainable lab design, operation, and use. Chuck is actively involved with I2SL and was recognized by them as an emerging leader.
The Freezer Challenge - Hosted by My Green Lab and I2SL. An international competition that encourages labs to optimize cold storage for energy efficiency.
AstraZeneca SWOOP Case Study - “Creating a culture of sustainability across labs”
Credits: 🎙 Any Job Can Be a Climate Job is produced and hosted by Louisa Henry. Original music by Run Riot Run. Logo design by Cassidy Frost.
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