SUSTAINABLE
STEPS
What is Lab Sustainability?
Laboratory sustainability is the practice of reducing the environmental impact of scientific research without compromising scientific quality or safety.
Per square metre, laboratories use 3–10 times more energy and 4 times more water than offices, whilst generating an estimated 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste a year. So the smallest changes at the bench compound into significant savings.
Our Mission
Our mission at Sustainable Steps is to make laboratory sustainability practical, accessible and achievable. Through education, community and consultancy, we help scientists, technicians and lab leaders take sustainable steps that reduce environmental impact without compromising safety or research quality.
We consistently publish actionable changes you can try, from closing a fume hood sash to choosing the right grade of purified water. And by sharing what works across the community, we turn small, practical steps into meaningful, lasting change.
What we do
Follow us for regular posts and tips all about improving sustainability in your lab!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lab sustainability? Lab sustainability is the practice of reducing the environmental impact of scientific research while maintaining scientific quality and safety. It covers energy and water use, single-use plastic, chemical waste, equipment lifecycle decisions, and the everyday behaviours that make laboratories one of the most resource-intensive workplaces on a per-square-metre basis.
How can I make my lab more sustainable? Start with small, repeatable actions that reduce energy, water, and consumables use. Switch off equipment when it's not in use, close fume hood sashes, choose the right water purity for each task, share equipment between groups, and replace single-use plastics where a paper-based or reusable alternative exists. Sustainable Steps publishes new actionable changes frequently to help labs build the habit.
What are the biggest sources of waste in laboratories? The largest sources are energy from HVAC systems, ultra-low temperature freezers, and fume hoods; water from cooling systems and high-purity water production; and single-use plastics from consumables, gloves, and hazardous waste bins. Per square metre, laboratories typically use 3–10 times more energy and 4 times more water than standard offices.
Where do I start with lab sustainability? Start with the easiest action you can do today. Close one fume hood sash, switch off one piece of equipment overnight, or check whether your ULT freezer can safely run at –70°C. Then bring others in by starting a green team because sustainability sticks faster when it's a shared habit rather than one person's responsibility.