On our way to a green laboratory

My Green Lab Certification is considered the gold standard for sustainable laboratory practices and is recognised by the UN Race to Zero Campaign. In the certification process, we are guided and audited by an independent party to check our sustainability progression. By participating in challenges, such as setting freezers to -70°C instead of -80°C and recycle used materials where possible, we create awareness and build a sustainable future for our science.

‘More than a certificate: a community for sustainable labs’

Wouter Ghering, Quality and R&D Analysis Lab Manager:

‘My Green Lab is more than a certificate: it is a platform where labs worldwide share knowledge and experiences. Being guided by an independent, experienced party, we get realistic advice and insights to improve our sustainability. Participating in challenges and sharing our findings with the community allow us to make an immediate impact. The certification process ensures that sustainability becomes a structural part of how we work.’

Next steps

The first step of the certification involved eighteen lab colleagues completing an engagement survey. We are currently processing the results of the survey and simultaneously filling in a baseline assessment. This will be the basis for recommendations on sustainability to implement in the next six months. Ultimately, we hope to achieve gold-level My Green Lab Certification and further develop ourselves in sustainable lab management in the coming years.