Sustainable Laboratory
Clinical/Reference Laboratory Final Report
The implementation of the Green Laboratory Program (GLP - now referred to as Sustainable Laboratory) began with a large, on-campus clinical and reference laboratory in 2001. The aim of this initiative was to develop an effective means of introducing environmentally sustainable work practices in University of Melbourne laboratories. Around 35 laboratory staff volunteered their time and example of work practice to extend to new environmental standards.
Objectives
The aim for GLP is laboratories to implement better environmental practices while performing their normal procedures, which fall through the gaps between standard SafetyMAP and EHS implementation, and identify what is actually taking place in the labs. It could also necessitate a change in current work practices in order to become more environmentally conscious, without compromising safety.
- To heighten awareness in current workers of the environment issues directly relating to their work practices and to reduce or eliminate the impact on the environment.
- Instill behavioral change over time and in new workers.
- Propose a plan for environmentally sustainable practices in the work place.
- Initiate environmental issues within the laboratory Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team because from there, decisions made will be scrupulous and implemented directly.
The Gaps!
This program was developed from scratch. How were the environmental concerns for the lab to be identified? Using a set of standards (refer to Criteria and Actions table). When the lab did not fit the Criteria for a Green Laboratory, Action was taken. Main Gaps:
- Lack of Chemical Management leading to several environment issues
- Huge electricity consumption
- Increase in disposable laboratory ware due to Gas Crisis left unchanged
- Recycling not in place
To view Clinical/Reference Lab Gap Analysis, click here.
Actions Taken and New Initiatives
- Cutting electricity use
- Scaling down, where possible, consumption during some procedures
- Aiming for conscious reduction in water consumption, where possible
- Double-sided printing and photocopying in place
- Reusing unwanted paper as shredding for animals in the on-site animal house (if no animal house where you are, Department of Pathology is always looking for shredded paper)
- In-house waste audits and how to improve environmentally, in overall disposal
- Addition of Environmental procedures in Staff induction
Conclusion
The most difficult aspect of the implementation process was transforming behavioral changes amongst laboratory staff. Altering or completely changing a process that has become second nature to most staff since the beginning of their working life, was not always met with enthusiasm. However, apart from the obvious benefit to the environment, the feel-good element and long-term cost saving with reduction in consumables are great and the lab workers have relished in changing their work practices to better accommodate environment sustainability.