Tim Doggett explains the importance of sustainability for modern laboratories in terms of the wider industrial environment.
Sustainability has become a key business strategy for many companies and industries, with the chemical industry, and more specifically laboratories, being no exception. These facilities, however, face significant challenges in their quest for sustainability as they inherently use a significant amount of energy and resources. Some of the key challenges for laboratories include:
- Energy: Laboratories can require five to 10 times more energy per square foot than a typical commercial office building.
- Water: Water usage in laboratories can be considerable, contributing to a facility’s carbon footprint, environmental impact and costs.
- Hazardous material: Improper management of hazardous materials can lead to significant environmental harm, as well as fines and penalties.
- Waste and recycling: An alarming amount of waste is generated in laboratories, with single use plastic making up a substantial portion.
- Sourcing of raw materials: Chemicals are subject to regulations and controls which are constantly evolving. Those which are legal when research work commences, can sometimes be banned at the very early stages of a product’s life cycle. It remains crucial, therefore, to understand the chemical supply chain and whether it is sustainable for the raw materials chosen.
Despite these challenges, improving laboratory sustainability holds many benefits. Most evidently, employing energy and water conservation measures will result in more efficient operations, lower bills and a reduced carbon footprint. However, the benefits extend much further: running a sustainable laboratory will lead to the more efficient use of materials, reduction of harmful waste, improved usage of resources and increased recycling.
Additionally, the proper disposal of hazardous materials can minimise the environmental impact of the laboratory whilst creating a safe and eco-conscious work environment.
The CBA has been leading efforts to help the chemical supply chain become more sustainable and works closely with industry to encourage less wasteful, less environmentally damaging, and more socially acceptable operations.
For almost 30 years, it has been actively involved with the Responsible Care programme, a global, voluntary initiative which provides an ethical framework for the safe use and handling of chemical products.
A sustainable laboratory will lead to the more efficient use of materials, reduction of harmful waste, improved usage of resources and increased recycling
The chemical industry is a crucial element of almost all value chains, and a vital part of the country’s economy, with more than 95% of industry relying on chemicals.
In addition to providing expert, hands-on, in-house support, the CBA advocates and lobbies at the highest levels – both at home and internationally – to highlight the chemical industry’s importance and to assist in its mission to become ever more sustainable.
- Tim Doggett is CEO of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), representing the UK chemical supply chain industry
