Greening the Lab: Tips For More Sustainable Research

Labs are vital scientific discovery hubs, yet they also leave a significant environmental footprint. The high demand for controlled environments, specialized equipment and continuous operation means labs consume large amounts of energy, water and resources generating substantial waste and emissions.1 Hence, incorporating sustainable lab design and practices is essential to significantly lower their environmental impact. These measures not only contribute to a healthier planet but also reduce costs, improve research conditions and enhance the institutions’ reputation.1 This infographic will guide you through different ways labs can adapt to become more sustainable. TIPS FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE RESEARCH Around-the-clock operations. Integrate renewable energy in your lab design. Use LED lighting. Use smart occupancy sensors for lighting, heating, etc (this could reduce consumption by 30%!).2 Maximize the use of natural light. Use task lamps at your desk instead of overhead lights. Use of energyintensive equipment. Place freezers in areas designed for cold storage to avoid overburdening the heat, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Set up a sharing system to leverage existing resources. Regularly clean freezers (remove unneeded samples, frost buildup and dust accumulation). Increase the freezer temperature from −80 °C to −70 °C (this reduces energy consumption by 30%).3 Opt for energyefficient equipment (e.g., with eco-modes and built-in timers for shutdown). Install variable air volume (VAV) fume hoods and close the sash when not in use. This can reduce energy consumption by 60 %!1 Use equipment such as autoclaves, ovens and dishwashers only when full. Labs can also implement practices to reduce the amount of water they consume.1 Use of water purification systems that consume high amounts of water. High water consumption in sinks. Use of single-pass cooling systems in equipment such as autoclaves and water baths (this system not only wastes water but also is a safety hazard). Ensure regular maintenance of the purification system to avoid leaks and waste energy. Use the lowest grade of water needed for each application (e.g., don’t use type I if your task can be done with type III). Install low-flow aerators in lab sinks (this can cut water flow by up to 50%!). Try an ice bucket and an aquarium pump to create your own recirculating water bath. Use waterless, air-cooled condenser devices. Choose closed-loop or recirculating systems that reuse water continuously. Reuse plastic containers and paper. Autoclave used stackable tips for tissue culture use. Recycle solvent waste when possible: • Common solvents such as acetone, xylene and acetonitrile are simple to recycle in the lab. • Work with companies that recycle solvents on a large institutional scale. Introduce lab-wide recycling programs for instruments. Embracing sustainability practices in the lab is a crucial step towards achieving long-term environmental goals and fostering a culture of ecological responsibility within the scientific community. There are several lab sustainability certifications that labs can apply to. These programs offer practical steps to improve lab sustainability. For example: • Accreditation scheme set by the University College London (UCL) to improve labs sustainability. • Offers three levels of certification: Bronze, Silver and Gold depending on how many sustainability actions labs take. • Worldwide gold standard for lab sustainability best practices. • Offers five levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Green determined by the score on the certification assessment. Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) My Green Lab Certification Buy in bulk and choose suppliers that use less packaging. Use glass containers and tools, where possible. Optimize your experimental design to minimize the use of tubes, tips, plates, etc. Work with suppliers that take back packaging. Choose suppliers that recycle lab plastic, including gloves. Recycle all that can be recycled! Remember to use the recycling bins properly! Correct classification of the waste is essential to ensure it’s recycled. Set up a chemical-sharing database to leverage existing resources. Minimize the amount of paper waste: • Read papers online. • Promote the use of digital over paper records. Labs produce huge amounts of chemical and plastic waste. PROBLEM SOLUTIONS PROBLEM SOLUTIONS SOLUTION PROBLEM SOLUTIONS PROBLEMS SOLUTIONS Several measures can be implemented to help reduce energy usage in the lab.1 REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE In addition to reducing its environmental impact, labs can benefit from such certifications through: Long-term cost savings Enhanced research efficiency Increased reputation References: 1. Freese T, Elzinga N, Heinemann M, Lerch MM, Feringa BL. The relevance of sustainable laboratory practices. RSC Sustain. 2024;2(5):1300-1336. doi:10.1039/ d4su00056k 2. Garg V, Bansal NK. Smart occupancy sensors to reduce energy consumption. Energy and Buildings. 2000;32:81-87. doi: 10.1016/S0378-7788(99)00040-7. 3. Gumapas LAM, Simons G. Factors affecting the performance, energy consumption, and carbon footprint for ultra low temperature freezers: case study at the National Institutes of Health. World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2013;10:129–141. doi: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2013.050786. Constant use of fume hoods. PROBLEM Use autoclaved glassware only if is necessary for your experiment. TYPE TYPE TYPE TYPE DIY Sponsored by