Chapter 01

Reduce lab waste where possible

Waste reduction is one of the most effective starting points for improving lab sustainability. Many labs rely heavily on disposable plastics, packaging, chemicals, paper, and other materials that can quickly build up across daily workflows.

A more sustainable approach starts with careful planning. Before beginning an experiment or procedure, consider whether materials can be used more efficiently without affecting safety or results. This may include preparing only the volumes needed, avoiding unnecessary duplicate work, or using smaller-scale methods where appropriate.

To reduce lab waste, teams can:

• Plan experiments carefully to avoid unnecessary material use
• Use microscale methods where suitable
• Reuse glassware and durable equipment when it is safe to do so
• Segregate recyclable materials correctly
• Review single-use consumables and packaging waste
• Avoid over-ordering materials that may expire before use
• Set up clear recycling streams for paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals

Reducing waste at the source is important, but recycling and circularity are also central to more sustainable lab operations. Where materials cannot be avoided or reused safely, clear segregation and appropriate recycling programs can help keep valuable resources in use and reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal.

Chapter 02

Improve energy efficiency in daily lab work

Energy use is another major consideration for lab sustainability. Many laboratories rely on equipment that runs continuously, including refrigerators, freezers, incubators, ovens, ventilation systems, water purification systems, and analytical instruments. While much of this equipment is essential, there are often opportunities to reduce unnecessary energy use.

Simple behavioural changes can make a meaningful difference. Switching off lights, computers, benchtop equipment, and instruments when not in use can help reduce energy consumption. A lab shutdown checklist can also make these habits easier to maintain at the end of the day, after a procedure, or before weekends and holidays.

Labs can support better energy efficiency by:

• Turning off non-essential equipment when not in use
• Using timers or standby modes where appropriate
• Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
• Reviewing storage temperatures against actual sample requirements
• Defrosting and maintaining cold storage equipment regularly
• Choosing energy-efficient equipment when replacing older systems
• Creating shutdown checklists for shared lab spaces

Energy efficiency should always be balanced with safety and sample integrity. However, by reviewing equipment use and daily habits, labs can often identify simple ways to reduce energy demand without disrupting scientific work.

Chapter 03

Use water more efficiently

Water conservation is an important but sometimes overlooked part of lab sustainability. Many labs use water for washing, cooling, sterilisation, purification, and general cleaning. In busy environments, even small changes can add up over time.

One practical step is to review where water is being used continuously or unnecessarily. For example, once-through cooling systems can use large amounts of water, while closed-loop systems may offer a more efficient alternative for some applications. Labs can also reduce water use by avoiding running taps unnecessarily, using appropriate wash cycles, and selecting equipment that matches their actual capacity needs.

To support water conservation, personnel can:

• Avoid leaving taps running during routine work
• Use closed-loop cooling where appropriate
• Review autoclave, washer, and purification system settings
• Match water purification systems to actual demand
• Repair leaks or dripping taps quickly
• Train staff on water-saving procedures

Chapter 04

Choose supplies with sustainability in mind

Purchasing decisions play an important role in lab sustainability. The products a lab chooses, how they are packaged, how often they are ordered, and where they are sourced from can all affect environmental impact.

Sustainable sourcing does not always mean replacing every product with an “eco” alternative. It often means asking practical questions: Is this item appropriate for the application? Can packaging be reduced? Is a refillable or reusable format available? Are we ordering the right amount? Can stock be managed more effectively to reduce expired or unused materials?

When reviewing lab supplies, consider:

• Whether reusable, refillable, or recyclable options are available
• How much packaging is generated
• Whether products are being over-ordered
• How expiry dates and stock rotation are managed
• Whether local or regional sourcing can reduce transport impact
• Whether suppliers provide clear sustainability information

The goal is to make better decisions where practical, without compromising safety, compliance, or performance. In some cases, a durable reusable item may be the better option. In others, single-use products may still be necessary for contamination control, sterility, or user safety. Lab sustainability depends on making informed choices based on the needs of each workflow.

Chapter 05

Apply green chemistry principles where possible

Green chemistry focuses on designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances. In the lab, this can mean using safer reagents, reducing solvent use, minimizing hazardous waste, or selecting methods that require fewer materials.

Not every procedure can be changed, especially in regulated or validated workflows. However, where flexibility exists, labs can review whether there are safer or more efficient alternatives.

Practical green chemistry steps may include:

• Using smaller volumes of chemicals where appropriate
• Selecting less hazardous alternatives when available
• Reducing solvent use
• Improving reaction efficiency
• Minimizing hazardous waste generation
• Reviewing disposal procedures for chemical waste

These changes can support both sustainability and safety. Reducing hazardous materials can also make workflows easier to manage and reduce the burden associated with storage, handling, and disposal.

Chapter 06

Build a culture of lab sustainability

Lasting lab sustainability depends on more than individual actions. It requires a shared culture where teams understand the impact of everyday decisions and feel empowered to make improvements.

This can start with simple steps, such as clear signage, waste segregation guidance, shutdown checklists, and regular training. Labs may also benefit from appointing sustainability champions or creating small working groups to review waste, energy use, water consumption, and purchasing habits.

A strong sustainability culture can include:

• Training staff on greener lab practices
• Encouraging teams to report wasteful processes
• Reviewing product use and purchasing patterns
• Sharing progress and celebrating improvements
• Including sustainability in routine lab meetings
• Updating procedures when better options become available

Lab sustainability is not about making every change at once. It is about identifying practical improvements, building better habits, and reviewing progress over time.