Strategic changes in research laboratory practices may reduce environmental footprint, increase financial savings
Laboratories may consume large quantities of plastics, generate waste, and emit greenhouse gasses. A report published in PLOS Sustainability and Transformation by Jane Kilcoyne at Marine Institute, Galway, Ireland and colleagues suggests that laboratories can significantly reduce their plastics and carbon footprint, and financial costs by transitioning to more efficient, sustainable laboratory materials and methods.
Green lab certification programs help individual laboratories decrease the environmental impact of conducting scientific research. These certification programs have the potential to make a positive impact with increased participation by the estimated 20,500 laboratories involved in medical, biological, or agricultural research globally. A new initiative at Marine Institute, Ireland’s national monitoring program for the detection of biotoxins in shellfish, implemented strategic changes to their laboratory materials and methods with the goal of reducing their plastics, solid waste, and greenhouse gas footprint while maintaining scientifically rigorous monitoring protocols. Starting with its materials, the laboratory replaced plastics, began recycling polystyrene and composting non-toxic shellfish waste. Marine Institute also adopted less toxic chemistry methods for procurement and preparation of chemical solutions.
The laboratory was able to significantly reduce their environmental footprint in multiple categories. Single-use plastics were reduced by 69%, fume hood and cold storage equipment energy consumption decreased by 30%, and hazardous chemical waste decreased about 23%. Transition to digital document management led to an 81% reduction in printing. Increasing resource efficiency also contributed to annual cost savings of approximately €15,800. However, continued conservation and efficiency efforts are required for the Marine Institute to meet its ultimate goal of achieving green lab certification.
According to the authors, “Adoption of simple, effective, and cost reducing transitions in our laboratory has led to reductions in single-use plastics, waste, and energy, without compromising scientific standards. Although this study applies specifically to monitoring of marine biotoxins in shellfish, the strategies adopted could be implemented in any laboratory”.
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