Case studies at the University
Grimwade Conservation Services
The Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation forms part of the University of Melbourne teaching and research in the Faculty of Arts. Its commercial consulting arm, Grimwade Conservation Services, partners with industry in research translation. Wet labs are used for material analysis, research, and conservation treatment.
The team began their sustainability journey by participating in, then winning, the University’s Green Impact challenge program.
Green Impact is an online learning and rewards program established in the UK to provide a framework for organisations to address sustainability.
Motivation and momentum were created by forming an internal sustainability working group with regular communications on changes and improvements. Sustainability was added as a standing agenda item to all team and operational meetings to keep it front of mind.
Changes to lab practice included adding sustainability to inductions and training, conducting waste audits then improving waste segregation and recycling practices, improving chemical purchasing and inventory practices, changing equipment usage practices, and creating signage to help people adopt new practices.
In 2022 the Grimwade Conservation Service was certified under the My Green Lab program. My Green Lab is a widely used international organisation offering programs, training, and certification for lab sustainability.
The Grimwade team now advertises this status on tenders, grant submissions and quotes for commercial services and it has been well received by funding bodies, clients, and collaborators.
Do you have an idea to improve the sustainability of your lab?
Please contact sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au to share lab sustainability ideas relevant to your discipline.