Biomedical research requires specialized infrastructure for the secure conservation of biological samples, primarily through cold storage systems that maintain extremely low temperatures, ranging from -20°C to -150°C. These units consume a significant amount of energy continuously, representing a substantial portion of laboratory energy consumption, which can be 3 to 10 times higher per square meter than a conventional office.
In this context, the IDIBELL-HUB-ICO Biobank has received the Biorepository Lab Award in the academic category of the Freezer Challenge 2026. This international recognition highlights its work in sustainability applied to biological sample storage. The award follows an estimated daily energy saving of 397 kWh during 2026, a figure that nearly triples last year's record and is equivalent to the daily consumption of approximately 42 Spanish households.
Laura Arregui, coordinator of the IDIBELL-HUB-ICO Biobank, explains that reducing energy consumption does not mean compromising scientific quality. “It’s not about storing samples 'worse' or reducing safety in favor of sustainability, but about eliminating inefficient practices while maintaining the same standards of quality, safety, and sample traceability,” she states.
Implemented sustainable practices include adjusting storage temperatures to -70°C instead of -80°C when scientific evidence allows, optimizing the utilization of cold equipment, preventive maintenance, and careful inventory management. These measures contribute to sustainability and improve sample protection.
The Freezer Challenge, promoted by My Green Lab and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL), is a global initiative to encourage sustainable practices in scientific cold storage. The 2026 edition involved over 4,000 participating laboratories from 36 countries, optimizing more than 35,000 pieces of cold equipment.
The IDIBELL-HUB-ICO Biobank currently houses over 150,000 biological samples and supports more than 48 competitive projects. Miriam Vidal, the Biobank's coordination technician, emphasizes that the award validates the commitment to “efficient and sustainable management of the storage system and laboratory activity, as well as excellence and quality in the Biobank's operations”.
The Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) is a research institute founded in 2004, specializing in cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine, and regenerative medicine. It comprises over 1,500 professionals and 73 research groups.
