FYI, there is a group in Europe looking at reducing the climate impact of research laboratories. Their newsletter is in French, but can be viewed in translation at
https://8yzr4.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/JAw8Q6IXbbZlGf67g3nGGskidL5pCTa2ZitYcrxTR_fTVl3gpaEGZ6h-pv9LiqY0G-aBEKsLgOM4cUk1qy-WIzjkmp_xjR32YboIGBPODr4bqXEoylxr_FkUxOaArLRsrM_3K11t
Of specific interest in the latest issue is research work that found that more than 50% of a lab’s carbon footprint arises from the purchase of laboratory equipment. Given the rapid obsolescence of this equipment, I believe that is a significant finding. A report in Science that provides a quick overview of this research can be found at
https://www.science.org/content/article/news-glance-new-us-coronavirus-research-lab-gears-carbon-cost-repurposed-accelerator
Lab gear has a heavy carbon cost
The energy required to make and transport lab equipment, from centrifuges to mass spectrometers, and provide support services accounts for more than half the carbon emissions associated with research laboratories, according to a preprint study. The resulting carbon footprint was three times greater than that linked with conference travel, normal commuting, or heating, says the analysis, posted last week on the bioRxiv server. Its authors examined purchases by more than 100 laboratories in France and estimated the per capita emissions connected with various items. They also suggest ways to reduce a research group’s carbon footprint. Staff members could repair existing equipment to maximize its lifespan, for example. Duplication of equipment could be avoided by concentrating it at regional or national research centers. Researchers could use glassware instead of disposable plastics.
The preprint of this report, in English can be found at
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.04.04.535626v2
There are lots of other interesting news items in the newsletter, although most of them require translation from French.
- Ralph
Ralph Stuart, CIH, CCHO
ralph**At_Symbol_Here**rstuartcih.org
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