Sustainability-oriented labs in transitions: An empirically grounded typology

•We distinguish how sustainability-oriented labs approach sustainability in practice.•An empirically grounded typology is developed based on a prior systematic review.•Six types are identified, ranging from 1) Fix and control to 6) Explore and shape.•We present similarities between labs in each type, as well as differences across types.•The typology may function as a heuristic and frame for sustainability transitions praxis.