Ireland breaks new ground in lab sustainability
Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris has today launched a sustainable laboratory certification programme pilot, led by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
Ireland has become the first country in which a national research funding agency has spearheaded a certification process in lab sustainability following the launch of a sustainable laboratory certification programme pilot, led by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).
The programme, in partnership with international non-profit organisation, My Green Lab, aims to bring best-in-class, sustainable research practices into Irish labs.
It is widely recognised that research, however, laboratories are resource-intensive spaces, using ten times more energy than office spaces, and four times more water. Globally, academic research laboratories lead to the production of an estimated 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, equating to around 2% of the world’s plastic production (source: mygreenlab.org).
My Green Lab works closely with laboratories all over the world to support them in achieving their sustainability goals. The My Green Lab Certification process is recognised by the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign as a key measure of progress towards a zero-carbon future.
The pilot My Green Lab Certification programme is a key component of SFI’s new climate action strategy, also launched today, which is committed to tackling the challenges of climate change and creating a more sustainable future for all. Pivotal to this strategy is ensuring SFI’s funded programmes are undertaken in a manner that supports sustainable practices.
The programme will be split into two groups of approximately 50 labs each. The first group will start the certification process in early November 2023. The second group is anticipated to commence their certification journey in early 2024. Labs which enrol in My Green Lab Certification are typically certified within six to nine months of starting the process.
Ciaran Seoighe, Deputy Director General, SFI, said: “SFI is proud to launch this pilot programme. Our goal is to become the first country to adopt a holistic, proven and widely supported approach to sustainable research practices at a national level. Our new climate action strategy is committed to climate action and sustainability within our community across three pillars – funding excellent research that will shape a sustainable future; moving knowledge and talent through our society and economy; and conducting research and related activities sustainably. This pilot programme is designed to empower researchers across SFI-funded projects to make well-informed choices and to take actions to reduce the environmental impact of their work.”
James Connelly, CEO, My Green Lab, said: “At My Green Lab, our goal is to show laboratories how making simple changes in the lab have a large impact in reducing our carbon footprint. We look forward to working with SFI on our mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science and support SFI to lead the world on the launch of a world’s first national green lab program – and inspire the rest of the world to follow in their footsteps.”
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