Green Procurement
Sustainable Lab Procurement: Reducing Environmental Impact
The research sector is expanding rapidly, but procurement practices contribute significantly to environmental damage. Scope 3 emissions—those from supply chains, product use, and waste—account for nearly five times the emissions of on-site energy use. Implementing sustainable procurement can help reduce this footprint while maintaining research efficiency.
1. Smart Purchasing to Reduce Waste
✅ Plan demand carefully to avoid overstocking and minimize waste.
✅ Keep inventory up to date to prevent redundant purchases.
✅ Order only what’s necessary to avoid surplus materials.
✅ Use in-house supply facilities (e.g., TCD Stores) to reduce transport emissions.
2. Prioritizing Sustainable Products
🌱 Choose reusable over single-use plastics (e.g., glassware, refillable pipette tips).
🌱 Opt for energy- and water-efficient equipment when selecting new models.
🌱 Look for sustainability certifications like:
- EPEAT Registry for electronics
- My Green Lab’s ACT Label for lab consumables
- Energy ratings for equipment
3. Reducing Packaging & Delivery Impact
📦 Seek vendors with take-back programs for Styrofoam boxes, tip racks, and packaging.
📦 Consolidate orders with neighboring labs to cut down on packaging waste and transport emissions.
4. Extending Equipment Lifespan
🔧 Maintain equipment regularly to prevent breakdowns and unnecessary waste.
🔧 Use repair services instead of replacing functional equipment.
🔧 Donate working equipment to other labs or institutions.
🔧 Choose the right-size equipment to avoid energy and water overuse.
5. Leveraging Shared Resources
🤝 Use core facilities instead of purchasing individual equipment.
🤝 Collaborate with other groups for bulk purchases to reduce transportation impact.
🤝 Assign one person to manage procurement for better oversight and sustainability adherence.
By integrating these sustainable procurement strategies, labs can cut costs, lower carbon footprints, and reduce waste, making research more environmentally responsible. 🌍♻️
Useful links:
Saving Money Through Sustainable Procurement of Laboratory Equipment
Sustainable Laboratory Equipment Metering, Procurement, and Operations Guide