Making your Laboratory more Sustainable
We appreciate sustainability as a way to optimize research practices. When we make our work more efficient, we will automatically reduce our footprint but also benefit from other economical, mental and scientific perks.
We discuss all these topics in our events. However, to create a long lasting impact, we alos summarized some of our insights for you to get an impression.
0. Just start with what comes to mind
It does not matter what it is or how trivial it seems - grab the low hanging fruit and build momentum just by starting. It is about following your gut, the rest follows automatically.
An outline
- 1. Get an Overview - Read some basic guides and see what others have done in order to develope a sense of what is possible
- 2. Understand your Circumstances - How many people are on board? What is your PI or institute thinking about what is possible?
- 3. Identify Possibilities - Walk through your institution with open eyes or use one of our techniques to identify opportunities
- 4. Find Experiences - See who else is engaging in sustainable practice and might be of help with their advice
- 5. Craft a Plan - Be precise about what you want to change, how, until when and what controls you might need
Concrete Guides and Steps for You
These guides are meant to provide an overview and introduction to various topics. They should enable you to get a basic idea & structure your resources and energy.
Guides & Introductions
Protocols & Inspiration
You need a new ally on your side? Sharing insights and approaches is at the heart of sustainable practice.
What Universities Teach Today Shapes our Future
- Realize sustainable approaches sensibly, and in a practical manner!
- Educate students & faculties on how to implement sustainable approaches!
- Get input for a course or module on sustainability you already teach!
You Are Lucky – You Have Found the Right Partner
The students in our team allow us to stay connected to current thinking and challenges
The more advanced members enable us to share the solutions that reliably work
3 Reasons to Educate on Sustainability
1.
Escpecially young students are attracted by programs that offer education on sustainability
2.
Sustainability is a value for many and thus, a great way to engage and build a feeling of connection
3.
High electricity bills? Spending big on trash without recycling plastic at all? There is a solution!
Let’s Talk How Sustainability Fits to You
Sharing Experiences from Each and Everyone
Draw inspiration from the strategies employed by others and learn from their experiences. No need to reinvent the wheel. However, if you happen to need help with the montage of your wheel, we can forward you to the specialists in the respective field!
Top 3 tips
Build a Culture of Sustainability
Culture is an essential aspect of all human interaction. Thus, leverage it: emphasize the power of small actions and collective impact. Whether it is turning off lights, unplugging equipment, regularly defrosting freezers, among other things. By integrating sustainability into everyday routines, you can successfully transform sustainability into a shared responsibility within your laboratory.
Address Fairy Tails
People carry numerous unspoken assumptions, presuppositions, and prejudices within their minds. Be courageous! Confront the inconvenient, and speak out loud what otherwise remains unaddressed. While one might initially assume a sense of awkwardness, people will feel relieved once the word is out and open up to discussion. Through this approach you can build trust and figure out the solution to the resistances that otherwise remain hidden.
Speak with Passion
How you express yourself is often as important as what you say. Therefore, speak with passion and share your love of the topic. To do so, make sure that you approach the situation with an open mind to find a solution that truly convinces you. Before advocating for a solution you do not really believe in, address its shortcomings and ask for expertise. In this way you will move closer to your goal and at the same time people realize that you truly care for them and your cause instead of just selling an interest.
Do you find sharing these experiences valuable? Share your tips & tricks and become part of the community!
You need urgent help yourself? Let’s see how we can support you
It is always a pleasure to help our green family. However, we ask you to use this form only for problems you really do not find an answer to otherwise because we will take the time from other project to get you your answer.
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