LabNL: practical steps towards a sustainable laboratory

Laboratories are invaluable for scientific research, diagnostics and innovation. At the same time, they are also places with a significant ecological footprint. Think of equipment that runs 24/7, intensive ventilation, high water consumption and the frequent use of disposable materials. The result: a significant burden on the environment.

An average laboratory consumes three to ten times more energy per square meter than a standard office building. This high consumption is partly due to the continuous operation of equipment such as ULT freezers and incubators, and because fume hoods and ventilation systems are in operation day and night. It is therefore no surprise that sustainability is an increasingly important theme in the lab world.

But sustainability is not only an ecological necessity, it also offers economic opportunities. By using energy and raw materials more intelligently, laboratories can reduce their operational costs. Think of lower energy bills, lower waste costs and the use of subsidies or tax benefits for sustainable investments. And those who focus on sustainability now are also better prepared for future legislation and regulations. These are becoming increasingly strict when it comes to energy consumption, waste management and CO₂ emissions.

In short, sustainability in the lab is no longer a choice – it is a strategic step towards a future-proof organization. In this article, we show you how to get started with it, without compromising on safety or precision.

What are the options for making a laboratory more sustainable?

To make laboratories more sustainable, there are several possible approaches. Below we discuss some important methods.

Save energy

One of the most effective ways to reduce your ecological footprint is to save energy. This can be done by:

• Use of more efficient equipment: New generation equipment often uses less energy than older models. Think of LED lighting and energy-efficient cooling systems.
• Optimization of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems: Smart ventilation systems can ensure better regulation of air flows and energy savings.
• Adjusting temperatures in freezers and refrigerators: Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) freezers use less energy when set to -70°C instead of -80°C.

Water conservation

Laboratories consume large amounts of water, for example in cleaning processes and analytical experiments. Possible saving measures are:

• Reuse of water in rinsing and cooling processes
• Installing water-saving taps and sensors
• Using alternative cleaning methods such as enzymatic cleaning agents instead of water-intensive rinsing methods

Reducing plastic and waste

Plastic waste is a major problem in laboratories. Ways to reduce this are:

• Switch to reusable materials where possible
• Optimizing orders to avoid excessive packaging material
• Recycling of plastic materials, provided it is safe and permitted

Behavior as the key to a sustainable laboratory

Sustainability in the laboratory is not just about technology or smart logistics. At least as important – and often decisive – is the behaviour of the people who work there every day. Laboratory technicians play a crucial role in this. Their actions, choices and routines largely determine the ecological footprint of the lab. Think of whether or not to switch off equipment after working hours, handling chemicals carefully, or simply closing the fume cupboard when it is not in use.

Creating awareness is therefore an important first step. Employees must realize the impact their daily work has on the environment. You can stimulate this by, for example, organizing workshops on sustainable lab use, hanging visual reminders at energy-intensive equipment, or organizing a theme week in which sustainability is central. Such actions help to make sustainability tangible and relevant on the work floor.

An effective way to structurally change behavior is to appoint sustainability ambassadors. These are colleagues who actively work to promote sustainability within the lab. They share practical tips, highlight areas for improvement and motivate others to join in. This creates support and increases the awareness that sustainability is a joint process – not something that is imposed from above.

Sustainability therefore starts with the people on the work floor. Because no matter how good the technology is – without conscious users, the potential remains untapped.

Practical tips & tricks

Want to get started with sustainability in the lab right away? Here are some practical tips:

Energy management

• Use timers for equipment that does not need to be on constantly
• Check regularly that refrigerators and freezers are functioning optimally
• Turn off equipment during weekends and holidays

Sustainable use of materials

• Order only what you need to minimize waste
• Choose suppliers with sustainable packaging options
• Investigate whether used plastic materials can be recycled

Water conservation

• Use closed water systems where possible
• Make sure that taps are not left running unnecessarily
• Implement water-saving flushing techniques

Stimulating behavioral change

• Organize workshops on sustainable working in the laboratory
• Encourage employees to make sustainable choices
• Put sustainability on the agenda in team meetings

Getting Started

Sustainable waste streams in the lab: from practice to impact

Do you want to discover how to manage waste flows in your lab smarter and more sustainably? Discover it during the interactive workshop Sustainable waste streams in the lab at the LabNL fair.

Laboratories produce large amounts of waste every day. Think of pipette tips, test tubes, cell culture material, gloves and chemical residues. Much of this waste automatically ends up in the incinerator, often without thinking about more sustainable alternatives. But is that always necessary? How can you separate, treat and even reuse waste in a smart and responsible way? During this workshop you will not only get an answer to this question - you will also really get to work with it.

What can you expect?

In the first part of the workshop we simulate the daily practice of the lab. You will be presented with different types of lab waste with the assignment: sort it into the correct waste stream. What belongs to chemical waste? What can go to residual waste, or not? And what must you autoclave first before the waste can leave the lab?

This practical approach not only makes you aware of your own waste behaviour, but also offers direct tools for improving sustainable solutions.

Then a presentation is given in which we go deeper into the different waste streams, the laws and regulations and the choices you can make. We discuss questions such as:

• How should you treat lab waste to dispose of it safely?
• Can you reuse certain materials and if so, how?
• How do you organize efficient waste logistics in the lab?
• Does certain waste need to be sterilized or autoclaved before transport?
• What are sustainable alternatives for commonly used consumables?

The workshop is given by professionals from the field, who share their experience and practical tips. Of course there is room for questions and discussion: how do other labs deal with this, and what can you learn from it?

Do you want to discover how to manage waste flows in your lab smarter and more sustainably? Then sign up for this workshop during LabNL.

Register