Environmental tip 7: Sustainability in the Lab
Labs can consume up to ten times more energy per square meter than offices and are among the most resource-intensive work areas at a university. There is therefore significant potential for sustainability improvements in terms of energy consumption, material use and waste production. The following targeted measures can significantly reduce the environmental impact without compromising the quality of research and teaching.
1. Use Energy Efficiently
In particular, the use of equipment such as fume hoods, incubators, and centrifuges, as well as systems for cooling and ventilation, is energy intensive.
- Operate equipment only when needed and consistently turn it off
- Close fume hood sashes after use to minimize energy loss
- Set ultra-low temperature freezers to –70 °C instead of –80 °C whenever possible
- Perform regular maintenance on equipment (e.g., defrost freezers)
- Coordinate the shared use of equipment within departments
2. Reduce waste and dispose of it properly
The University of Bern provides clear waste disposal guidelines.
- As a general rule, always follow the principle of “Prevent – Reduce – Recycle”
- Consistently sort waste according to the University of Bern’s guidelines
- For substances hazardous to the environment or health, check whether their use can be reduced or a suitable alternative can be used
- Minimize waste volumes through optimized experimental design
- Actively take advantage of recycling options (e.g., for plastics)
- Critically evaluate single-use products and explore alternatives
3. Conserve resources and use materials consciously
The high consumption of single-use materials offers significant potential for savings
- Use reusable materials (e.g., glass instead of plastic) wherever it is safe to do so,
- Consolidate and coordinate orders within work and research groups
- Plan chemical purchases based on actual needs and order only the required quantities
- Share materials and reagents within the university (e.g. via internal networks or departments)
- Reuse packaging materials whenever possible
4. Reduce water consumption
Water is also an important resource in laboratory operations.
- Replace flow-through coolers with closed-loop cooling systems
- Regularly check faucets and cooling circuits for leaks
- Run laboratory dishwashers only when fully loaded
- Take water consumption into account when planning experiments
5. Promote sustainable procurement
The University of Bern strategically integrates sustainability into its operations and procurement.
- Give preference to products with environmental certifications or reduced packaging
- Choose suppliers that offer take-back or recycling programs
- Purchase durable, energy-efficient, and repairable equipment
- Consider sustainability criteria when placing orders and issuing requests for proposals
6. Take advantage of existing initiatives and resources
The University of Bern already offers various platforms and programs to support sustainable laboratories.
- Participate in the “GreenLabs Network UniBE” and network with other laboratories
- Submit projects through initiatives such as the “Ready to Reduce” ideas competition and receive funding
- Take advantage of services offered by the Department of Sustainable Development (consulting, networking, support)
- Integrate sustainability into teaching and research (e.g., as part of ESD - Education for Sustainable Development)
7. Combine safety and sustainability
Sustainability and safety go hand in hand.
- Explore safe alternatives to hazardous substances that are both safe and resource-efficient
- Promote efficient work processes that reduce both risks and resource consumption
- Implement all measures in accordance with the University of Bern’s safety guidelines (Internal safe waste disposal guidelines)