Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and answers on the Challenge. Always being updated.
Updated
by Labs2Zero
Please review the list of questions and answers below. The list will continue to be populated with questions and answers as the Challenge is finalized and as participants ask questions. If your question isn't in the list, please email fhc@i2sl.org for help.
Questions on Challenge Registration and Eligibility
The eligibility criteria say that I need at least 10 fume hoods in my building to participate in the Challenge. What kind of hoods do they need to be?
Any type of chemical fume hood qualifies. These can be variable air volume hoods, constant volume hoods, or a mixture of both. Sash openings can be horizontal or vertical, and hoods can be of any size. Hoods can be standard, high-performance, or recirculating (ductless). However, exhaust devices that are not chemical fume hoods do not qualify. Examples of devices that do not qualify include bio-safety cabinets and laminar flow hoods.
What if my hoods have auto sash closers or other advanced controls?
You can still participate in the Challenge. The judging process will incorporate recognition of existing high-performance practices. It is not required to have poor starting conditions to be recognized in the Challenge.
What if only a subset of the occupants in my building want to participate in the Challenge?
You can still submit this building for the Challenge, provided that the participating area contains at least 10 fume hoods. When submitting Challenge data, please provide data for the whole building.
What if my hoods have auto sash closers or other advanced controls?
You can still participate in the Challenge. The judging process will incorporate recognition of existing high-performance practices. It is not required to be starting from poor sash management practices to be recognized in the Challenge.
My organization has several large campuses. Do I need to select just one building?
You may select one building per site.
Are canopy hoods, ventilated benches, or bio-safety cabinets allowed to participate?
These types of devices do not count as fume hoods for the purposes of the Challenge, and they should not be included in sash data reported to I2SL. Buildings containing these types of devices (as well as fume hoods) may participate in the Challenge, but only the fume hoods are relevant for Challenge purposes.
Can I enter as an individual researcher or lab within a lab building?
No, the 2027 Challenge is a competition at the building level. Not all hood users in the building need to participate, but reporting needs to be done at the building level to participate.
What if the airflow in my building is not hood-driven?
You can still participate in the Challenge. The benefits of shutting hood sashes typically include improved safety, regardless of energy savings. You may not receive the maximum points for energy savings, but you can still receive points in other key Challenge categories.
What if I have additional questions about eligibility and registration?
Please contact us at fhc@i2sl.org for assistance.
Other Topics Coming Soon
The Challenge Forms
Challenge Rules and Eligibility
