Laboratories from the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine have been recognised for their commitment to sustainable practices.
Both labs have received a Silver Sustainable Lab Award Accreditation, which recognises progress made in improving environmental sustainability, aligning with the university’s commitment to sustainable research.
The university has been operating internal sustainability awards since 2013 as part of a long-term initiative for a sustainable future.
To receive an award, laboratories must meet conditions set out across the nine categories as follows: fume cupboards and biosafety cabinets; cold storage; chemicals and gases; scientific equipment; water; waste and recycling; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; lighting; and knowledge and training.
Labs can apply for awards at a bronze, silver, and gold level.
Each accreditation is valid for two years and the awards run on a rolling basis throughout the year.
The School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine adopted a whole college approach, led by sustainability coordinator Neil Johnston.
Examples of sustainable alterations include turning ultra low freezers to -70C instead of -80C where possible.
The college also implemented integrated equipment registration and a booking system to focus on sustainable equipment purchases.
A microbiology laboratory, managed by Dr Prerna Vohra from the School of Biological Sciences has reduced their single use plastics, and are working on re-using their petri dishes.
Storage containers were also repurposed such as cardboard boxes and plastic bags.
Two years ago, the university became a signatory of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
Developed by more than 25 leading research institutions, the University of Edinburgh is committed to focusing on sustainability and ethics alongside institutions such as The University of Oxford and Wellcome.
“Edinburgh Medical School building, Teviot Place” by Kim Traynor is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.