What A Sustainable Lab in 2025 Looks Like:
How to Work Towards Sustainability

In 2025, sustainability is no longer a preference but a necessity. With growing climate concerns and new regulations, implementing sustainable practices in the workplace is a top priority. This is especially true for the life sciences industry, where laboratories can use up to ten times more energy and four times more water than a typical office.

While the task might seem daunting, moving towards a greener lab is attainable. By focusing on key elements such as reducing energy, water, and waste, you can make a significant and positive environmental impact.

Why is Lab Sustainability So Important?

Laboratories conduct essential research, but in doing so, they consume vast amounts of energy, water, and resources, which negatively impacts our environment. A sustainable lab is one that commits to minimising its environmental footprint while maintaining high levels of scientific productivity. This involves incorporating sustainable habits and procedures into daily operations.

Key Strategies for a Greener Laboratory

Achieving sustainability requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are the core areas to focus on to transform your laboratory:

Optimise Energy and Water Consumption

Simple changes in daily operations can lead to significant energy savings. Making a conscious effort to close freezer doors, shut off fume hoods when not in use, and turn off lights are excellent starting points. In fact, simply keeping the fume hood sash closed can reduce carbon emissions by 300 metric tons.

Investing in energy-efficient products also yields substantial benefits. Transitioning to LED lights and modern, low-energy freezers can drastically cut energy consumption. Likewise, minimising water waste is crucial. Avoid leaving water running and consider incorporating a closed-loop system where water is continuously recirculated for certain processes.

Implement a Robust Waste Management Strategy

Reducing, reusing, and recycling are the cornerstones of a sustainable lab. A key part of this is developing a comprehensive strategy for the different types of waste you produce, including general refuse and specific biomedical waste. This plan should start with choosing suppliers that manufacture longer-lasting products or items that can be recycled after use.

Minimising single-use plastics where possible is also vital for reducing waste accumulation. A core component of your strategy should be effective waste recycling, ensuring materials are correctly segregated and processed to give them a second life.

Embrace Green Chemistry and Safer Practices

The production and use of hazardous substances contribute heavily to pollution. Green chemistry prioritises designing safer materials and chemicals, creating a better alternative for our climate. Implementing these practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances safety for laboratory workers who are exposed to fewer toxic chemicals.

Innovate with Modern Waste Solutions

Staying up to date on new technologies can unlock powerful new ways to promote sustainability. A few years ago, options were limited, but today the marketplace is full of innovation. For example, managing biohazardous waste has traditionally posed a significant challenge due to the risks involved.

However, new technology now provides a safe and effective path for the waste treatment of these materials. Systems like Envetec’s GENERATIONS technology enable on-site biohazardous waste recycling by safely treating the material and transforming it into a clean, recyclable feedstock. This innovation is being driven by specialist biohazardous waste treatment companies dedicated to solving this critical environmental issue.

Foster a Culture of Sustainability

Lasting change is driven by people. When individuals understand what sustainability is and why it matters, they can champion change within the workplace. Encourage your team to attend informational conferences to discuss strategies and learn from the successes of other laboratories. Educating your team is the first step to building a shared commitment.

Your First Steps Towards a Sustainable Lab

To begin your journey, start by assessing the current state of your laboratory and its established habits. This audit will reveal which areas need the most improvement. My Green Lab offers a certification process that is an excellent tool for turning your goals into a reality.

Another critical starting point is to assess your different waste streams. Laboratories produce a vast amount of waste; it is estimated that the plastic waste alone from labs each year is enough to cover Manhattan ankle-deep. When evaluating your procedures, consider how you manage all outputs and whether you are working with certified partners, such as regulated waste treatment companies, for processes like clinical waste collection.