Microbiology laboratories play crucial roles in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing global challenges. However, research labs often have a significant environmental impact due to their high energy consumption, water usage, chemical waste and use of plastics. The article “Clean your own house first: Integrating Sustainability into Microbiology Labs” in FEMS Microbiology Ecology outlines how integrating sustainable practices into laboratory operations is essential to align with global sustainability goals and promote eco-friendly practices in scientific research, as summarised by Priscilla Carrillo-Barragan. #TheCulturePlate
Research labs and their environmental responsibility
While at the forefront of advancing human knowledge, microbiology research labs constantly face their own impacts on environmental challenges. Hence, integrating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into research lab activities should be an imperative for the microbial community.
Here, we list some key areas in which microbiology laboratories can improve their operations:
- Energy efficiency
Microbiology labs use various energy-intensive machines, making energy efficiency a key area for improvement. Simple measures like turning off unused equipment, defrosting freezers, using LED lighting and maintaining optimal performance can significantly reduce energy consumption.
Reports and guidelines from institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories offer tools and recommendations for improving energy efficiency in labs. A notable example includes adjusting freezer temperatures from –80°C to –70°C, which can reduce energy use by 36%. The global Freezer Challenge-campaign provided scientific evidence supporting various sample types to encourage labs to adopt this practice.
- Water conservation
Water is essential in microbiology labs to wash glassware and prepare solutions. Efficient use of water, such as running autoclaves and dishwashers only when full, can conserve this vital resource. The University of Bristol’s Green Labs scheme has successfully implemented water-saving measures to prevent water loss and enhance lab operations.
- Chemical use and disposal
Careful management of chemical inventories can prevent waste from expired or unused chemicals. Choosing less hazardous compounds and centralising their use and disposal can improve research reproducibility and sustainability.
Labs should also explore biodegradable alternatives and recycling programs for plastic waste, as demonstrated by the University of York’s successful waste segregation and recycling initiatives.
- Waste management
Single-use plastics constitute a large portion of lab waste, often incinerated due to biological contamination. However, many plastics can be recycled if properly segregated.
Transitioning to reusable items, like glassware and metal instruments, also significantly reduce plastic waste. Another approach is to implement protocols for reusing consumables, such as pipette tips and microcentrifuge tubes, without compromising research quality.
- Mindful automation
While automation increases efficiency, it often leads to higher energy consumption and increased amounts of plastic waste. Encouraging manufacturers to develop universally compatible consumables and promoting conversations about sustainable practices can mitigate these issues. Automated systems can reduce chemical waste and improve accuracy, further supporting sustainable research.
- Procurement and investment
Purchasing supplies in bulk and choosing sustainable products with minimal packaging can reduce waste. Investing in research to develop new materials and methods that minimise single-use plastics and high-energy operations is crucial. A great improvement would be to implement grants and funding opportunities that specifically target lab sustainability.
- Education and awareness
Fostering a culture of environmental awareness within the lab is essential. Regular training and discussions on sustainable practices can encourage lab personnel to be mindful of their environmental impact.
- Institutional and learned societies support
Universities and research institutions can support sustainable lab practices by conducting energy and water assessments, improving procurement processes and creating shared research resources. Microbiology societies can facilitate discussions, promote sustainable event practices and encourage sustainability-focused research.
Promoting sustainability in laboratory environments
Sustainable practices in microbiology labs not only reduce environmental footprints but also lead to cost savings and efficiency improvements. It is crucial for microbiologists, especially environmental microbiologists, to lead by example and promote sustainability in their research environments. By adopting eco-friendly practices, labs can significantly contribute to global sustainability efforts and inspire broader changes across the scientific community.
- Read the article “Clean your own house first: integrating sustainability into microbiology labs” by Carrillo-Barragan in FEMS Microbiology Ecology (2024).
- To trigger more discussions with your peers on this pressing topic, lead an interactive session during the FEMS Congress in Milan next year. Submit your proposal for the session now and support sustainability in research labs.
Priscilla Carrillo-Barragán is an environmental scientist dedicated to understanding and applying the interactions within microbial communities and their responses to anthropogenic pollutants to address socio-environmental challenges. Currently, Priscilla works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Basel, Switzerland, where she investigates microbial colonisation of plastic waste in the South Atlantic Ocean and the River Rhine. She also lectures on the Sustainable Development Master’s Degree programme.
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