The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology Sustainability Group Projects. Every few months the Sustainability Group proposes one theme or project for large-scale sustainable change to the Centre. With cooperation from the Centre the group promotes and implements the changes and any required guidelines. Current Projects Image Improving understanding of workflow in the building We introduced an induction to the Media Prep and Wash-Up facility for all new staff and students, understanding workflow through the media prep facility helps reduce their workload. This reduces energy consumption and increases the efficiency of the facility. Provide clear guidance on correct waste disposal in the building Improving waste flow systems with correct waste management and liquid treatment will reduce unnecessary autoclaving, save energy, and be better for the environment. In consultation with Health and Safety Inspectors we have produced 2 videos which we hope will enable you to make to make the correct decisions when it comes to waste disposal. Correct waste disposal Reuse and repurpose We collect uncontaminated items to give away within the centre, items such as posters and one sided printed paper are sent to nurseries. Surplus items are stored in the sustainability cupboard. We occasionally use Warpit and freecycle. Reducing Energy Use - Cold storage Cold storage consumes a lot of energy, we are promoting ways to reduce energy consumption while not affecting quality of samples. We offer advice on running cold storage appliances more efficiently. Efficient cold storage Image Future projects Fume hoods Improving understanding of the correct use of fume hoods. Reducing single use plastics We are collecting ideas from the labs in Swann on how to reduce single use plastics waste by reusing, using alternative protocols, Introducing equipment for washing consumable plastic and glass and finding new efficient procedures of washing consumables. The collated ideas will be discussed and form the basis of our next big project. Past Projects Reducing packaging Contacting suppliers about reducing packaging. Contact with Merck, NEB and Abcam has been particularly successful. Recycling packaging Finding solutions for polystyrene boxes and cool packs. Promega and NEB have a polystyrene box reuse scheme. NEB collects cool pack for reuse. Reducing single use plastic Encouraging Labs to move from using disposable plastic pipettes to using Glass pipettes and facilitating the switch by purchasing more glass pipettes and liaising with the media and wash-up facility to ensure efficient turnover of clean pipettes. Reducing energy use Introduce the use of plug timers for turning lab devices on and off. Each lab was offered at least one plug timer. Additional free plug timers can be arranged upon request. Related links WCB Sustainability awards and training Funding for sustainability projects Funding for small projects/equipment This article was published on 2024-06-17
