GreenLabs Network UniBE – working together for more sustainable laboratories

Laboratories are a central component of research at the University of Bern. They are used in many departments, particularly in the natural sciences, medicine, and related disciplines. At the same time, laboratories are among the most resource-intensive facilities at a university. Their energy consumption per square meter can be up to ten times higher than that of a conventional office, and in exceptional cases, such as certain clean rooms, even a hundred times higher. Water consumption is also considerable. Added to this is the use of chemical substances and materials, especially when disposable products are used.

Against this backdrop, the University of Bern is pursuing the goal of reducing the environmental impact of its laboratories. Existing initiatives and the enormous commitment of various employees and institutes, with the support of the Office for Sustainable Development of the Vice-Rectorate for Quality and Sustainable Development, have led to the creation of the GreenLabs Network UniBE. The kick-off meeting took place on July 3, 2025. The network makes a valuable contribution to more sustainable research facilities and thus to the Roadmap Climate 2030.

The GreenLabs Network UniBE provides a forum for discussing possible solutions for making laboratories more environmentally friendly. UniBE employees and researchers who work in laboratories are cordially invited to join the network and play an active role in shaping its development.

Would you like to join the GreenLabs Network UniBE? Then please feel free to contact us: nachhaltigkeit.qualitaet@unibe.ch