About Us

Science has to happen.

The question is how sustainably we do it.

In labs everywhere, there are people who can see the waste and want to do something about it. The appetite for change is real. But the support behind it isn't equal. Some organisations have sustainability teams, budgets and in-house expertise; many have none of it. The science is the same and the intent is the same, yet every lab starts from a different place. And too often, each is left to work it out alone.

Greening the Bench

Our blog series gives you actionable changes, many of them free, that any lab can start making today. Organised across four areas, Culture, Energy, Waste and Water. The benefits rarely stop at the environment, because the same changes often cut costs and save time too.

Solutions & Stories

Change is easier when you can see it working. We spotlight the innovations making labs greener, and the people and organisations behind them, so you can learn from what others are already doing and find the solutions that might work for you.

Work with Us

Sometimes you want someone in the room. Through talks, workshops, training and consultancy, we help labs of every kind take their next step, wherever they are starting from and whatever their goals.

A community, not a solo mission

Above all, we are building a network of sustainability-minded scientists across the public and private sectors. No lab should have to solve these challenges alone. When one finds an approach that works, everyone should benefit, and that shared progress is what moves the whole community forward.

Wherever your lab is on its journey, the next step is closer than it looks. Start with our practical guides, or get in touch to work with us directly.

Practical Guides

Meet the Team

Founder

Ben Gray

Ben has experience running sustainable lab initiatives across both private and academic labs including his time as Sustainability Initiatives Coordinator at Imperial College London. Since launching Sustainable Steps, Ben has served on the Royal Society of Chemistry's decision panel for the third instalment of the Sustainable Labs Grant and is currently a core contributor to the I2SL Fume Hood Challenge. Ben has also delivered talks at the University of Edinburgh, University College London, Queen Mary and at the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Creative Director

Polly Grainger-Lewis

Polly brings the initiatives that make labs more sustainable to life with her creative design ranging from carousels and visuals on LinkedIn, to videographer for our 'Beyond the Bench' series and so much more. You'll often find her on Canva making the adjustments that gives all of our content the professional and engaging nature that drives our mission forward.