Efforts by the energy intensive chemicals industry to promote a greener future will impact greatly attempts being made in the wider world. That includes in the laboratory says the CBA’s Elaine McGavin.
There is a rising demand for more sustainable business practices across the chemical supply chain and laboratories are no exception. Despite being resource and energy intensive by nature, laboratories are committed to making progress towards sustainability while reducing their environmental impact.
The CBA, which counts several laboratories among its members, has been proactive in supporting green transition by aiding safe chemicals management, improving environmental safety and chemical supply chain processes impact, and seeking innovative technologies and solutions to sustainability challenges.
Actively involved with the Responsible Care programme for nearly three decades, the association recently published its vision and produced climate change guidance with the Chemical Industries Association and the Non-Ferrous Alliance.
The CBA is a member of the Defra-led UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum (UKCSF) which works alongside other Government departments and bodies.
All stakeholders in the chemical industry have a key role to play in decarbonisation, understanding carbon and other greenhouse gases and their role in climate change
The vision of the UKCSF is for stakeholders, Government and regulators to develop and implement effective chemicals and waste management, in support of the UN’s Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management policy.
As all stakeholders in the chemical industry have a key role to play in decarbonisation, understanding carbon and other greenhouse gases and their role in climate change has become increasingly vital for the sector. Here too the CBA has taken a proactive approach; several of its staff have been certified Carbon Literate and it also offers certified training to members.
Besides often facing criticism around sustainability there is also a perception that the chemical sector is not doing enough to address diversity, equality and inclusion. To help shift this negative view, the CBA is instrumental in ensuring that policies and legislation are continuously revised, that training and development opportunities re accessible, and that best practices for creating more diverse, equitable and inclusive environments are in place.
As laboratories look to integrate sustainability into their overall strategies, the CBA will continue to use its influential position to facilitate their understanding of the impacts of adopting sustainable practices, and to help them leverage related opportunities.
- Elaine McGavin is Regulatory and Responsible Care Lead at the Chemical Business Association (CBA)
