CIBB is actively involved in an initiative called Green Labs which helps to implement sustainable daily practices in laboratories to reduce the carbon and energy footprint and mitigate the environmental impact of scientific research to protect our Planet.
“green labs - refers to any group, activity or initiative focused on helping laboratories reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining high quality and safety standards”, as defined by the Sustainable European Laboratories Networks (SELs).
On March 23, 2022, CIBB (CNC-UC & iCBR) embraced this initiative, and the GreenLabsCIBB was created. The Institution joined the GreenLabs Portugal Network of research laboratories, which on April 21, 2022, became one of the members of the SELs.
Conducting research committed to environmental sustainability is now a priority and a matter of human health, as well as a way to protect the planet. The Institution and its students, researchers, technicians, administrative staff and board of directors are aware and concerned about the ecological footprint associated with scientific research and laboratory management.
The GreenLabsCIBB initiative has the objective to promote environmentally sustainable scientific research of excellence by creating and implementing good practices. This includes reducing, reusing, and recycling materials and waste generated daily, as well as circumventing the significant energy consumption of laboratory equipment through correct maintenance.
At the institution, a network composed of a greenCoreTeam, greenOffices and greenKeepers was established to provide support in implementing sustainable practices and to help find ecological solutions for existing infrastructures.
In addition to redefining the way science is conducted, it is important to improve our knowledge and change mentalities and social behavior in line with European guidelines for environmental sustainability.
You can follow our activity at X (@greenlabsPT).
