Laboratories for the future: Steps towards more sustainable research

Steps towards more sustainable research

Abstract

Research laboratories are gaining attention in the global sustainability rhetoric, as many overseas institutes attempt to improve  the historically consumptive practices of research. Life science laboratories are estimated to contribute up to 2% of annual global plastic waste, and compared to other academic spaces, laboratories consume as much as 3 to 6 times more energy. Addressing laboratory sustainability is essential in the University of Otago achieving its Net Carbon Zero goal more readily. This research has investigated key factors of laboratory sustainability at the University of Otago, utilizing an observational case-study laboratory and survey to assess current research sustainability standards. The research laboratory case-study in the University of Otago department of Biochemistry shows keen engagement with sustainability principles in areas such as sustainable purchasing practices, resource management and cold storage, while areas such as energy usage exhibit room for improvement. A voluntary survey completed by members of the Biochemistry department indicated that researchers believed changes to waste reduction & recycling, community engagement & understanding, and purchasing practices would be the most impactful in improving laboratory sustainability. Implementing strategies such as purchasing takeback schemes, promoting participation in laboratory sustainability initiatives, and reducing consumption of disposable resources will be paramount in improving laboratory sustainability.

Supervised by: Ray O'Brien, Sustainability Office, University of Otago
Scholarship funded by: Waste Management NZ