Laboratories, with their high energy use, constant waste production and use of hazardous materials, can have a significant environmental footprint. However, with a few strategic changes, laboratories can become more sustainable, reducing their environmental impact and operating costs.
This article will explore practical methods lab personnel can use to create a sustainable laboratory.
Order from Sustainable Suppliers
Ordering from sustainable supplies can have a significant impact when creating a sustainable laboratory.
For one, it can help boost the laboratory’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment towards a greener work environment. By collaborating with climate-conscious suppliers, lab personnel can contribute to a greener and more ethical practice.
Switch off the Lights and Appliances
Switching off lights and appliances when not in use is a cost-effective step towards creating a greener laboratory.
Maximising natural lighting reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, lowering carbon footprint as well as lowering energy bills in the long run.
In addition, switching off appliances when not in use will extend the equipment’s lifespan, reducing the environmental impact associated with equipment replacement.
Replace Plastic with Glassware
Substituting plastic with glass to create a sustainable laboratory is highly beneficial to the environment.
Glass can be recycled without releasing harmful chemicals during decomposition, unlike many plastics, making it more environmentally friendly.
As laboratory glassware is more durable and heat-resistant than plastic, it can improve the longevity and safety of lab equipment and reduce the volume of plastic waste.
Waste Less and Recycle
Efficient waste reduction and recycling are imperative for establishing a sustainable laboratory.
The most effective way to reduce the volume of waste in landfills is to decrease the demand for raw materials. This can be achieved by implementing efficient inventory management and adopting a reusability culture.
What’s more, a laboratory can embrace recycling and waste management programs which encourage lab personnel to mark recycling bins for different types of waste, such as glass, plastic, metal and paper, while ensuring hazardous waste is stored and recycled separately.
Reduce Water Consumption
Reducing water consumption can save costs and reduce environmental impact while maintaining scientific integrity.
By implementing impactful measures, lab personnel can effortlessly decrease their water consumption. For example, fixing leaks, monitoring water usage, implementing recycling systems and optimising processes through experimentation with reduced water quantities, all while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results.
Correctly Dispose of Chemicals
Proper chemical management is crucial for the safety of laboratory personnel and environmental protection. Therefore, it’s vital to establish a waste management plan with appropriate classifications to avoid disposing of harmful chemicals down drains or in general waste.
By labelling containers and recycling chemicals through licensed waste carriers, lab personnel can prevent environmental contamination and safeguard ecosystems and biodiversity, reducing the risk of hazardous exposure to both the community and themselves.
Maintaining an updated chemical inventory is a proactive step towards reducing unnecessary waste and preventing excessive purchasing.
Upgrade Systems
Upgrading appliances can not only reduce wastage, but it will also improve productivity and accuracy, enhancing performance. As modern systems are designed with longer lifespans, there will be fewer needs for replacement. This will naturally reduce the lab’s environmental footprint, for less waste will be generated to dispose of in landfills.
Education and Awareness
Staff education and awareness can significantly enhance a laboratory’s reputation as a responsible and sustainable entity. Educating lab personnel through organised training sessions and workshops is essential to achieve buy-in and consistency. This will help raise awareness about sustainable practices and highlight their benefits. Collaborating can also encourage lab personnel to share their innovative ideas to improve proactivity.
Ken founded Scientific Glass Services in 1978 and has a wealth of experience developing custom-made scientific glassware, working closely with research laboratories, hospitals and universities. Ken and the team make bespoke laboratory glassware to your requirements or repair valuable broken apparatus, each piece being hand-blown from quality borosilicate glass.