{"id":293,"date":"2025-06-25T15:16:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T14:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/?p=293"},"modified":"2025-06-25T15:16:12","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T14:16:12","slug":"sustainable-research-small-steps-big-impact","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/2025\/06\/25\/sustainable-research-small-steps-big-impact\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Research: Small Steps, Big Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

As researchers, we are driven by curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, but in today\u2019s climate, we must also be driven by responsibility. The University of Bath\u2019s commitment to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research & Innovation Practice<\/a> is a call to action: to embed sustainability into every step of our research practices.<\/p>\n

This blog aims to showcase the efforts of researchers across our university who are already making strides in this direction and highlights some practical steps you can take to embed sustainable practices into your research.<\/p>\n

Kind regards,
\nSarah<\/p>\n

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Start with LEAF: A Framework for Greener Labs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professor Petra Cameron from the Department of Chemistry has long been committed to sustainability through her research on solar cells. Her lab recently achieved a Bronze LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework<\/a>) award, a process she describes as a valuable first step for any lab looking to become more sustainable.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe LEAF process makes you think critically about sustainability and energy use in the lab,\u201d Petra explains. \u201cIt\u2019s also a great way to start conversations within your team about how to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.\u201d<\/p>\n

Petra also champions low-carbon travel, with a group work travel policy that means they don't fly anywhere they can take the train and she is helping to look at ways the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) can develop, implement and disseminate best practice in sustainable research, as Chair of the ISCC Sustainability Working Group.<\/p>\n

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Turning Up the Temperature to Turn Down Emissions<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the Department of Life Sciences, Professor Ed Feil has led a simple but impactful change: warming up ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers<\/a> from -80\u00b0C to -70\u00b0C. This adjustment can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, without compromising sample integrity.<\/p>\n

Ed\u2019s initiative is part of a broader departmental effort to rethink energy use and promote sustainable lab practices, and it is great to see that the labs in the Milner Centre have recently achieve a Bronze LEAF accreditation.<\/p>\n

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Technicians Leading the Charge: Martin Levere<\/strong><\/p>\n

Martin Levere, Instrument Technician in Core Research Facilities (CRF), is a strong advocate for embedding sustainability into the operational heart of research. With the technical teams involvement, several labs in the CRF and the Department of Chemistry have achieved Silver LEAF accreditation.<\/p>\n

The LEAF framework helps labs demonstrate how they\u2019ve optimised waste disposal, reduced energy use, and embedded sustainable practices into staff inductions and day-to-day operations. By setting clear standards for communication, resource sharing, and recycling, labs can measurably reduce their carbon footprint, while also saving time and money.<\/p>\n

LEAF laboratories are assessed by a team of auditors, many of which have their own laboratories within the scheme. Martin states that \u201cit is certainly interesting looking around the range of different cross disciplinary settings in which scientific work is performed, such as chemistry, engineering and psychology.\u201d<\/p>\n

Examples of improved sustainable practice include designing chemical processes aligned with the \u201c12 Principles of Green Chemistry<\/a>,\u201d optimising equipment purchasing and usage, and establishing protocols for staff training and departures. Martin notes that sustainability is increasingly important to research funders, and that the LEAF accreditation is an excellent way to demonstrate that best practice is being followed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe objective is part of a wider piece of work, ensuring all the laboratories across the University are as efficient and green as possible without compromising the functionality needed to make a positive impact with research,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

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Starting the Journey: Julia Mackay<\/strong><\/p>\n

Julia Mackay, an Instrument Specialist in Core Research Facilities, is at the beginning of her LEAF journey, but she\u2019s already making a meaningful impact. Motivated by the high energy costs and plastic waste in labs, Julia has taken several practical steps to reduce her lab\u2019s environmental footprint.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt home, I recycle everything I can. It didn\u2019t sit right with me that uncontaminated plastic waste in the lab was going straight to general waste,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Julia has already raised her ULT freezer temperature from -80\u00b0C to -70\u00b0C, resulting in a 25\u201330% energy saving. She\u2019s also vigilant about switching off equipment when not in use and only running energy-intensive devices like incubators and heat blocks when necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve started sourcing second-hand equipment through UniGreenScheme<\/a>. It\u2019s cost-effective and keeps usable items out of landfill.\u201d<\/p>\n

Looking ahead, Julia plans to implement a lab plastic recycling system through LabCycle<\/a> and is tapping into the LEAF Teams network<\/a> for support and ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe LEAF training<\/a> was incredibly informative. I\u2019d encourage anyone interested in sustainability to attend and connect with others through the network. There\u2019s a wealth of knowledge and support available.\u201d<\/p>\n

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What Can You Do Today?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re wondering where to begin, here are a few simple actions to consider:<\/p>\n