Sustainable Labs
Leading Research
Minimising Impact
Laboratories are 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.
Education
LEAF
Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework
Responsible Sourcing
When purchasing new equipment, consider the whole life cycle of the equipment, the location of manufacture, the transit packaging, the maintenance contract, spare part availability and the disposal at end of life.
Disposal Options
- 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 manufactures have take back schemes that are being coordinated through departmental Stores.
- Controlled or Hazardous waste - Chemical waste must be segregated and disposed of through Stores. Waste bottles should be labelled, cleaned, full before they are sealed for disposal.