
Sustainability in labs doesn’t have to be complicated. The journey to reducing your lab’s environmental impact can begin with small, practical actions that any lab can implement – without compromising your research.
Drawing on experience from Thermo Fisher Scientific’s long-term partnership with Monash University, the new “Simple Steps for Greener Labs” White paper provides actionable steps that empower labs to make meaningful changes – from waste reduction to energy savings – helping each lab play a part in creating a greener future.
Practical actions for every lab
Even modest changes can make a big difference to a lab’s environmental impact. Here are several ways labs can take immediate, actionable steps towards better lab sustainability:
1. Waste reduction

Effective waste management can be transformative. This can include targeted recycling initiatives, like creating unpacking zones to prevent packaging materials from contaminating clinical waste and implementing recycling programs for common lab materials, such as nitrile gloves and lab plastics, as well as other materials used.
2. Energy efficiency

Reducing energy use is often easier than it seems. Practical measures like performing energy audits, optimising lighting and equipment use, and choosing energy-efficient devices can collectively reduce a lab’s footprint. Simple actions, like setting ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers to -70°C instead of -80°C for certain samples, can save significant amounts of energy and costs.
3. Choosing sustainable products

Opting for sustainable lab products is one of the simplest ways to begin a sustainability journey. Looking for products with eco-friendly certifications, such as the ACT label, or those developed under Thermo Fisher’s Greener by Design program, can reduce environmental impact through sustainable materials and packaging.
4. Fostering a sustainability mindset

A culture of sustainability amplifies individual efforts. Engaging lab staff and students alike can help foster a collaborative atmosphere where eco-conscious habits can grow and inspire others. Building a sustainability mindset in the lab today also ensures a ripple effect as students and researchers carry these values forward in their careers.
Small steps, big impact
The Simple Steps for Greener Labs Whitepaper provides an accessible, inspiring guide for labs looking to make a positive impact. Not only does it provide a strong foundation for labs to build on as they deepen their sustainability practices, but to foster and support a culture of sustainability that students can carry with them into the future.
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