We are My Green Lab certified!

My Green Lab – sustainability in science

My Green Lab is an initiative to build a global culture of sustainability in science. Recognized as the gold standard for laboratory sustainability practices worldwide, My Green Lab Certification equips scientists and laboratory support teams with practical solutions to effect significant change. The Race to Zero Campaign sets ambitious goals for achieving net-zero carbon footprints. As a proven and scalable program, My Green Lab Certification assists organizations in attaining their sustainability objectives.

Aiming for a net-zero carbon footprint in line with AstraZeneca’s sustainability efforts

The My Green Lab certification guarantees our proactive efforts in adopting best practices to minimize waste, conserve energy, and reduce water consumption. Furthermore, the program seeks to transform mindsets in order to establish a culture of sustainability in everything we do.

Our sustainability work at Kromnigon

This certification highlights our commitment to enhancing sustainability in our laboratory. It encourages us to make changes in both our research and development, as well as production practices. By participating in discussions and reviewing our current processes, we pinpointed areas for potential improvement. We then implemented innovative solutions, practices, and behaviors to support us in reaching our sustainability goals.

12 areas for a sustainable lab

Plug Load

In a laboratory, 20-25% of energy consumption comes from electrical devices connected to power outlets. We have assessed all our equipment and ensured that only necessary instruments are plugged in.

Fume Hoods

Fume hoods consume a significant amount of energy. Leaving them open also adds to the ventilation system’s energy load. Therefore, it is essential to develop a habit of consistently closing the hood.

Large Equipment

For larger equipment such as incubators, vacuum pumps, computers, and tissue culture hoods, it is crucial to take extra energy considerations depending on the specific device.

Cold Storage

After fume hoods the refrigerators, freezers and cold rooms are the most energy consumptive equipment category. Routine maintenance can boost energy efficiency by 10%, while maintaining ultra-low temperature freezers at -70 degrees, rather than lower, can result in a 30% energy savings.

Infrastructure Energy

In a typical lab, air handling, air quality, temperature regulation, and lighting account for half of the energy consumption. We strive to be aware of our energy usage and explore ways to reduce it.

Water

Water consumption in laboratories is naturally higher than in office spaces. We are conscious of our freshwater usage and actively seek methods to minimize it.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Laboratories generate a considerable amount of waste, with plastic waste from labs estimated to constitute nearly 2% of global plastic production. We consistently explore alternatives to plastics and replaces it with better alternatives when possible.

Resource Management

Pooling resources, sharing inventories, and exchanging materials among laboratories saves resources and time, and reduce costs.

Purchasing

We aim to make more intelligent purchasing decisions, focusing on resource efficiency, supporting eco-friendly manufacturers, and reducing the environmental footprint in collaboration with our suppliers.

Green Chemistry

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry are a set of guidelines for designing environmentally friendly products and processes. We strive to minimize, replace, and design the utilization of chemicals in processes and manufacturing whenever feasible.

Community and Engagement

The green lab movement grows by exchanging experiences, techniques, advice, and ideas. Together, we are building a robust culture of sustainability within the laboratory.

Travel

Travel Your mode of transportation for commuting to work and attending conferences significantly affects your carbon footprint.

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Learn more about My Green Lab at: https://www.mygreenlab.org/ Find additional information on the collaborative sustainability efforts between the BioVentureHub at AstraZeneca and My Green Lab at: https://www.azbioventurehub.com/news/2021/MyGreenLab.html