Scientific research laboratories play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of science and developing transformative healthcare solutions. However, the intensive nature of lab work has raised concerns about their environmental impact. These concerns primarily focus on energy consumption, waste production, chemical handling, and equipment disposal, all of which can leave a significant environmental footprint.
Life science research, in particular, is known for its high consumption of water and energy. Labs dedicated to addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges generate a disproportionate amount of waste. According to a study from the University of Exeter, nearly 5.5 million tons of plastic waste originate from labs, accounting for approximately 2% of all plastic waste globally.
In an era where global sustainability is of increasing importance, labs are facing the challenge of balancing scientific progress with ecological responsibility. Encouragingly, significant strides are being made in this area. A recent survey on lab sustainability by Frost & Sullivan revealed that 82% of the labs surveyed have adopted sustainability metrics. Impressively, 92% of these labs use these metrics to monitor resource use, and 87% have committed to goals aimed at reducing their global greenhouse gas (GHG) and carbon emissions. So, what are some of the key moves these labs are making to achieve these goals?
View the full survey on Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Research >
Reducing waste in labs
Waste management is a major environmental concern, with many labs recognising the need to reduce waste production. They are finding that even small, straightforward behavioural changes can lead to substantial results. Managing plastic waste, in particular, is a critical issue for labs.
Traditionally, plastic waste in labs is sterilised, incinerated, and transported over long distances, significantly contributing to carbon emissions. Furthermore, the incineration of plastic releases numerous toxic chemicals into the environment.
Watch our webinar on Boost Productivity and Eliminate Waste in Raw Material ID >
Fortunately, the market is seeing the development of innovative solutions for better plastic waste management in labs. One such solution is a sterilisation process that is over 90% more carbon-efficient, using a combination of mechanical and chemical processes. This innovative process eliminates the need for autoclave sterilisation, which disinfects plastic waste using heat—steam—along with pressure and time.
Download the The Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report >
Real-time monitoring of lab assets
Enhancing the management of lab systems and processes presents a promising opportunity for innovations that leverage the rapid advancement of digital tools. The cost-effectiveness of data monitoring and collection across various analytical instruments, along with the implementation of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), can optimise asset usage and improve overall lab efficiency.
Future lab instruments will likely be equipped with features for monitoring and providing real-time feedback on their operational status. They will have built-in intelligence to alert lab technicians if there is an operational issue that needs attention or if consumables are running low. This real-time data will enable operators to make better-informed decisions, thereby optimising their lab assets for efficient management, superior scientific output, and sustainability benefits.
It is also important to analyse a lab’s end-to-end supply chain to ensure suppliers are being engaged that share similar sustainability values and provide transparency on their sustainability performance. Such choices are made easier by My Green Lab’s ACT label which provides information regarding the environmental impact of manufacturing, using, and disposing of a product and its packaging. One of the instrument that proudly carries this label is the versatile Agilent 1260 Infinity II LC System.
Watch this video to learn more about My Green Lab >
Re-educating lab staff
At every step, it is critical that lab technicians and support staff are educated and share the responsibility for using new technology and implementing sustainability policies. Having goals is essential, but they cannot be achieved without the collective efforts of the staff. They need to understand how to properly dispose of plastic waste, implement practices to reduce water and energy consumption and be inspired to seek new ideas and solutions to help labs achieve their sustainability goals.
Companies like Chemetrix and its suppliers, such as Agilent, provide a wide range of resources to support this educational effort. By fostering a culture of sustainability and equipping staff with the knowledge and tools needed to make a difference, labs can significantly reduce their environmental impact while continuing to advance scientific research.
Download the The Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report >
As we look to the future, it is possible that potential clients or potential contracts could be secured if there’s evidence that the lab operations are sustainable and waste reduction efforts are paying off. It’s become an influencing factor in business relationships as clients with their own sustainability initiatives want to know if their service providers or in-house labs are doing the same. For some labs, achieving sustainability and waste reduction goals can directly influence their operational budget. It could also boost efficiency and lead to innovation because it requires a different way of thinking that can spark fresh ideas. There’s so much to gain and nothing to lose from choosing to make a lab more sustainable and the rewards can be seen almost immediately and in years to come.
Exploring sustainability solutions and options can be daunting. It’s unknown territory and one can feel unsure about which option would work best for a specific lab. Chemetrix can help by hearing your sustainability challenges, and your lab goals, and finding the right instruments and consumables that’ll be a more eco-friendly choice. As labs endeavour to reduce waste, it’s helpful to trust Chemetrix to provide solutions and product suggestions that align with sustainability goals. Contact us and let’s make tomorrow possible today.
