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Core Bio Sustainable Cold Chain
A 'Cool' Collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific
UC San Diego Core Bio Services has partnered with Thermo Fisher Scientific to launch a sustainable cold chain program for designated cold storage products that are in high demand within the campus research community. The Core Bio Sustainable Cold Chain program is a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable way to get the cold storage products you rely on. Are you part of the research community? Shop cold with Core!
The sustainable cold chain program is the result of a successful 6-month pilot with Thermo Fisher Scientific, during which select labs tested a returnable and reusable temperature-controlled shipping system for products ranging from -20°C to +4°C.
As a result of the pilot, we:
- Diverted significant packaging waste (EPS, paper coolers, gel packs) from landfills
- Improved cost-efficiency, environmental sustainability, and delivery performance
- Secured laboratory endorsement for this enhanced process in support of campus zero-waste goals
Based on the success of the pilot, we have transitioned the last-mile distribution from the Trade Street warehouse to Core Bio Services' on-campus facility, bringing the system closer to the labs and further improving service.
Explore other sustainable initiatives developed in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific, including the Pipette Tip Recycling program and Greener Product Alternatives, on Blink.
- IPPS Quarterly, June 11, 2025
Earth Week Highlights
Student Outreach Success
This April, Surplus Sales made significant progress in connecting with students and making Surplus resources more accessible for all Tritons. The Surplus team successfully integrated a secure remote point-of-sale (POS) system with their online catalog - a challenge that previously hindered their ability to offer surplus items at tabling events.
Surplus hosted pop-up sales on campus for the first time, bringing unique secondhand treasures directly to students. The team set up shop on Library Walk Monday-Friday during Earth Week. Over 100 items sold, including tech gear and even a beach cruiser, while diverting more than 600 pounds of materials from landfills. Thank you, Tritons!
To deepen engagement, Surplus also offered shuttle tours of their Trade Street warehouse and storefront, welcoming campus members to learn how items are processed and rehomed as part of the university’s circular economy.
These events mark important progress toward making Surplus Sales more accessible, especially for students without easy access to the off-campus storefront. The team hopes to build on this momentum with future pop-ups and expanded shuttle service, continuing their commitment to sustainability and service innovation that supports UC San Diego’s diverse community.
Join Surplus Sales Secondhand News to stay connected and see what's "new" at Surplus.
- IPPS Quarterly, June 11, 2025