Laboratoriesare some of the most energy and resource intensive workspaces within the University.
But through collaboration, interventions and circular thinking the lab users can have a positive impact towards reducing the impact of the lab space.
The information below can connect you to your local networks, cross campus projects and centrally managed services, all of which can work with lab users to make their spaces more sustainability managed, save money and resources.
Green DiSC is a new certification scheme which provides a roadmap for research groups and institutions who want to tackle the environmental impacts of their computing activities. Initially the scheme has released their bronze criteria to open access with Silver and Gold to follow.
Hear from Dr Victoria Sodré (CBRF, Department of Chemistry) as she shares her journey with the LEAF programme and how sustainable practices are transforming her lab.
Victoria is a postdoctoral researcher working on the biocatalytic production of pyridines and piperidines from lignin. She obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry (2021) from the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. Her research interests involve developing new sustainable routes to produce chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
Corre Lab
"We are always looking for ways to improve sustainability in scientific spaces and review our processes. With recent changes to research funding requirements encouraging laboratories be less resource intensive, we find that the LEAF Framework offers an easy and accessible way to integrate the interests of all parties."
"Applying for LEAF accreditation was straightforward and helped us recognise the sustainable practices our researchers already use in their work."
Prof. Nikola Chmel
Head of the Department of Chemistry
Chemistry Department
Guidance
The purpose of the Sustainable Research Practice Guidance is to provide guidance, direction, information and advice to help Researchers identify their responsibilities and to raise awareness of risks and expectations when designing and conducting research. It also aims to highlight the ethical and operational considerations affecting research practices which reflect the University’s wider commitments to environmental sustainability, ensuring that all our research and operations are conducted to the highest standards, in accordance to our environmental sustainability strategy.
The purpose of this guidance is to integrate responsibility and sustainability into the procurement processes of the University, while supporting the Warwick community to make climate conscious purchasing decisions. This guidance intends to ensure that all purchasing decisions consider the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our activities.
Guidance for Capital Expenditure
When purchasing new equipment, consider the whole life cycle of the equipment, as this can affect the most cost efficient option and the overall environmental impact.
This includes the energy efficiency, the location of manufacture, the maintenance contract, spare part availability and the disposal at end of life.
Uni Green Scheme- Unused, obsolete and even broken equipment may be able to be collected and resold.
Electrical Waste - Fridges, freezer and other medium sized equipment can be handled through standard waste streams if not contaminated. Contact your local technical team or the Estates Help Desk.
Packaging - Removing packaging before it enters a lab space means it can be disposed of safely through the Dry Mixed Recycling Stream.
Pipette tips - Many pipette tip manufacturers have "take back" schemes that are being coordinated through departmental stores.
Controlled or Hazardous waste - Chemical waste must be segregated and disposed of through departmental stores. Waste bottles should be labelled and cleaned fully before they are sealed for disposal.
