Green Lab
Where ScienceMeets Environmental Consciousness
CIIMAR GreenLab started as a group of volunteers dedicated to addressing the ecological impact of scientific research. In October 2021 CIIMAR GreenLab was established to unite these initiatives This group aims to reduce CIIMAR’s ecological footprint associated with laboratory work, such as energy and water costs and recyclable urban waste.
Environmental responsibility is fundamental for carrying out research activities. It is our commitment to continue to establish environmental management policies for the conservation of natural resources, reducing our environmental impact, and contributing to a sustainable future. We promote the reduction of the environmental impact in all the projects where we operate. We work with the firm intention of moving towards a world where profitability and smart options are synonymous with sustainability and the use of resources.
SustainabilityStarts in Our Labs.
Precious Racks
We are transforming unrecyclable micropipette tip racks into clipboards to use on research fieldwork. A campaign with Precious Plastic Portugal was established to collect and transform the plastic racks for filtered tips to micropipettes. We are now collecting around 10 kg of racks per month that can be shredded and melted into various objects for long term use
Paper for Food
In 2022 Green Lab collected CIIMAR’s paper and cardboard waste to be exchanged into food by the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger. We collected 594,50 Kg of paper that was sold to certified waste operators. The value obtained from the sale was converted into 7 kg of olive oil, 3 kg of canned tuna and 23 kg of milk to be offered to the Association of Retired Fishermen of the Port of Leixões.
Sustainable packaging
Our public procurement considers sustainable packaging options among suppliers.
Greener products
The Green lab CIIMAR has a mission of finding and sharing greener reagents options with our labs. The labs are encouraged to opt for greener reagents to substitute commonly used ones and opt for glass materials instead of plastic materials whenever possible.
Recycling
We are extending our recycling policy inside our labs. All labs, common places and offices are now provided with separation stations for waste management.
Communication
Green Lab provides space for learning and awareness about green strategies through seminars, posters and other communication strategies.
Green Labs forSustainable Discoveries
Our tips for
sustainable
research labs
Did you know an average ULT freezer uses approximately 20kWh of energy per day? That’s as much as a small house. Running a freezer at -70 C consumes less energy compared to -80 C without damaging stored samples. By setting the temperature at -70 degrees, laboratories can achieve substantial energy savings over time. This energy efficiency not only contributes to reduced operating costs but also supports environmental sustainability by minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Filling up your autoclave to its maximum capacity is a simple yet impactful practice that can lead to significant environmental and operational benefits by saving water, energy, waste and time. If you have spare space always include the materials of your colleagues that need also to be autoclaved.
In an increasingly digital age, embracing the concept of printing less and utilizing double-sided printing has become more crucial than ever. By adopting this practice, we can actively contribute to preserving our environment and reducing our ecological footprint. By considering the necessity of each document before hitting the print button, we can significantly reduce our paper consumption and promote a more sustainable approach!
As conscious consumers, it’s crucial for us to recognize the significant impact our purchasing decisions have on the environment. One simple yet powerful step we can take towards sustainability is to ask for sustainable packaging with every order we make. By requesting eco-friendly materials such as recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging, we actively reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This helps to mitigate pollution and preserve our planet’s natural resources.
Choosing glassware over plastic in our laboratory is a decision that goes beyond mere material preference. It is a conscious choice that brings forth numerous benefits for both the environment and the scientific community. Glass not only is a more environmentally friendly choice but also provides chemical compatibility and purity, transparency, durability and longevity as well as recyclability.
