Sustainability At Alpha

Alpha Analytical’s sustainability program is an important component of the organization's guiding principles. By tracking the impact of our sustainability initiatives as a percentage of costs, we are driven to create long-term value and contribute to a better environment for our company, our people and the world around us. Considering our impact on the planet is a priority, as is our commitment to sustainable operations.  

Our ”green initiatives are in place to safeguard the environment through many of our testing activities and in all of our operations. Here’s how we do it.

Procurement

Original product manufacturers and pass-through vendors are evaluated for their sustainability initiatives along with their overall commitment to the health of the environment. In particular, we choose vendors that use environmentally-friendly procurement practices when selecting raw materials is important. Several factors go into the materials we select for testing, and our vendors must meet our requirements. These include renewable packaging, quantities, and the ability for us to avoid one-time uses. In addition, all of Alpha’s laboratory uniforms are laundered by companies that adhere to strict sustainability practices. 

Energy-Efficient Lighting

In the last year, Alpha has upgraded its lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting, saving 70 percent  of the energy generated by our old fluorescent lighting. In our Westborough facilities, we replaced 400 fluorescent Troffer lights with LED Troffer lights on motion sensors.

Not only does this upgrade save  energy  while delivering the same lighting output, LED lighting lasts five times longer than a typical fluorescent bulb (average of 50,000 hours as compared to 10,000 hours).

Recycling

We currently recycle paper, plastic, aluminum cans, glass, cardboard, e-waste, batteries, solvents and printer toner cartridges. In our cafeterias, we only use recyclable bamboo stirrers and all consumables are recycled.  

Low Volume Initiative (LVI)

Alpha offers a low volume (LVI) approach to specific extractable analysis, which reduces sample collection efforts, minimizes the use of organic solvents and reduces waste. Our LVI approach makes use of the same laboratory equipment, and analytical methods which results in comparable data quality and reporting limits for environmental water samples.  

LVI applies to select RCRA SW-846 Methods including: 

• Pesticides (8081) 
• PCBs (8082) 
• Semi-volatile analysis (8270) 

Advantages of the LVI approach include: 

• Less sample volume 
• Fewer and lighter weight coolers 
• Comparable data quality 
• Less extraction solvent 
• Same or better reporting limits 
• Reduced waste generated

Lean

As a leader in analytical testing, we utilize LEAN practices to reduce waste in all aspects of our company and train all members of our team in approaching every activity with a LEAN mindset. “Lean” manufacturing was developed by Toyota in the 1930s.  Its purpose is to eliminate the fat, or waste,  in all aspects of operations (e.g., storage, transportation, overproduction, processing, waiting, motion, defects). By reducing and cutting out waste, many benefits are realized – better quality, quicker turnaround time, lower costs and easier work processes. Learn more about our LEAN program.

Outside the Lab 

Alpha is as concerned with sustainability outside of our labs as we are with what goes on inside.  On our grounds, we employ biodegradable landscaping practices. On the road we are in the process of transitioning our fleet of 73 courier vehicles to electric and hybrid models. Currently, 25  percent of our commercial fleet, which travels the Northern Seaboard daily, has been converted to efficient fuel consumption of greater than 30 miles per gallon.

In 2019, we signed a 20-year agreement with a large solar farm in Worthington, Mass., that provides us with ample green, renewable energy. Alpha has committed to taking 47 percent of the farm’s solar output to power our operations for the term of the agreement. This initiative t has transformed our Westborough main laboratory and administration buildings into 100 percent carbon neutral facilities.

 Chemist - Volatiles Lab - 2nd shift

Job Summary

The Chemist I performs Volatiles Lab methods using manual, automated/instrumental methods in accordance with applicable Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and recognized methods. 

Requirements:

Education:      BS/BA in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental or related science

Experience:      0-1 years

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Preparation of samples using different Volatiles techniques.
2. Preparation of reagents or standards as needed.
3. Ensure appropriate testing procedures are conducted in compliance with QA and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) requirements.
4. Meet turn-around-time (TAT) goals set by section head. Inform Team Leader or Lab Coordinator if issues arise that effect the TAT.
5. Disposal of Volatiles Lab hazardous waste in accordance with Chemical Hygiene Plan.
6. Adhere to established Health & Safety protocols.
7. Work independently within LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
8. Maintain, service, and troubleshoot instrumentation as necessary.
9. Develop improved techniques with Lab Coordinator, Team Leader or Manager – Active LEAN participant.

Secondary Duties:

1. May stock and order supplies as needed.
2. Maintain and promote clean work area(s).
3. Assist other laboratory departments as needed.

Minimum Required Skills:

1. Knowledge of safe laboratory practices, including the proper procedures in handling chemicals and unknown environmental samples.
2. Experienced with using and calibrating balances, meters, and used volumetric pipettes and glassware.
3. Familiar with standard and reagent preparation.

Strong oral/written communication and organizational skills.  

Why Alpha?

What Makes Alpha Different

Quality & Service

Alpha Analytical is committed to timely, responsive customer service. We are staffed and equipped to routinely handle large projects and tight schedules with the utmost accuracy. The majority of our work is completed with a turnaround time of five days or less.

Technical Support

Our staff includes more than 230 professionals with wide-ranging scientific and technical expertise. Their experience has helped Alpha pioneer a number of innovative, cost-effective new procedures that have been widely adopted in the industry. Several of our staff members are acknowledged leaders in their fields, serving on various regulatory and oversight bodies that help formulate sound environmental policies.

Information Management

Alpha Analytical understands the importance of data accessibility and has implemented sophisticated electronic data delivery and archiving technologies. Alpha customers can check on the status of their projects 24/7 through our Customer Center portal and download data directly from our secure server via our Alpha Data Exchange (ADEx) or Data Merger tools. Reports, as well as a variety of electronic data deliverable (EDD) formats including but not limited to EQuIs, EnviroData, GIS-Key, SEDD, EPA Region 2 and ERPIMS, are generated automatically to eliminate transcription errors.

Facilities & Equipment

Alpha maintains more than 50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory facilities in Westborough and Mansfield, Massachusetts. Over the past 5 years, we have invested an average $2.0 million per year in our facilities, equipment and technology to meet our customers' growing needs.

Integrity & Peace of Mind

Alpha Analytical was founded with an absolute commitment to data integrity and the industry’s highest ethical and professional standards. Continuing with Alpha's reputation of quality & reliability for 30 years - we get it done right - no exceptions. Alpha's financial stability and consistent ownership means we will be there for you.