Phil Wirdzek served as environmental scientist, toxicologist and senior advisor for sustainable practices within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for 28 years.

His work included regulatory development, health and environmental risk assessment, test data auditing and negotiating chemical testing needs. His career led to laboratory environmental planning and operations for EPA laboratories. He became the agency’s national energy manager and was responsible for creating the public-private partnership Laboratories for the 21st Century (Labs21 ). As director of Labs21, Phil designed the program in partnership with the US Department of Energy to promote energy efficiency and improved environmental performance in U.S. laboratories. He left federal service in 2004 to found the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL). Now the non-profit co-sponsor for Labs21, I2SL’s mission is to encourage greater industry involvement in the promoting the goals of Labs21 and encouraging greater information sharing among other high technology buildings (i.e., hospitals, clean rooms, fabrication and nano-facilities).

Wirdzek has an advanced diploma in industrial microbiology.

• Going Green and Beyond: the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (September 28, 2006)