Greening the Bench: Your First Steps for Actionable Change

Welcome to Greening the Bench, your go-to resource for transforming the way we conduct scientific research with sustainability at the forefront.

Science labs are notoriously resource intensive environments, consuming five to ten times more energy and three to five times more water than traditional office settings. If scientific research were a country, it would rank 40th in CO2 emissions. Additionally, research laboratories generate approximately 5.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, contributing nearly 2% of the world’s total plastic waste.

This blog has been established with a clear mission: to provide actionable information and strategies that laboratories across the UK can implement to make their operations more sustainable. Our goal is to create a network of sustainability-minded scientists who can learn from one another and collaborate across the public and private sectors, as well as across various industries.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the concept of lab sustainability, this blog is for you. I aim to support everyone, from those who have never considered sustainability in their lab work to those who have already achieved significant sustainability milestones but are eager to learn more. I firmly believe that in every lab across the UK, there is at least one person passionate about making their space more efficient. This blog is here to guide you through the challenges, quick wins, and processes to make the daunting task of sustainability more accessible and appealing to your team.

I’m Ben Gray, a lab sustainability specialist, passionate about harnessing the incredible opportunities within the science sector to unlock sustainability savings in our practices. With extensive experience working with sustainable labs across both the private and public sectors, I have initiated sustainability discussions in my own lab and driven engagement throughout organisations. Additionally, I have built a robust network of professionals and experts in the field, which allows me to share diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Each week, I’ll be here to share valuable insights and tips, along with contributions from special guests in the near future. I’m eager to hear from all of you about your experiences and innovative ideas in lab sustainability, as we work together to create a more sustainable future in our labs.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to stepping into our virtual shared sustainable laboratory in the next blog.

Action for the Week:

Talk to someone else in your lab team about the impact of your lab on the environment and climate. Let's start the conversation and make a difference together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greening the Bench?

Greening the Bench is the Sustainable Steps blog series introducing scientists to practical, actionable sustainability changes they can make at the lab bench. Each post focuses on one specific change e.g. switching off a piece of equipment, choosing the right water grade, closing a fume hood sash. The aim is for readers to always leave with something concrete they can try this week.

How much more energy do laboratories use than offices?

Laboratories consume 5-10 times more energy and 3-5 times more water per square metre than standard office buildings. If scientific research were a country, it would rank around 40th in global CO2 emissions, and research labs collectively generate around 5.5 million tonnes of plastic waste a year.

Where should I start with sustainable lab practices?

Start with one change you can make this week. Switch off a piece of equipment overnight, close a fume hood sash, audit the water grade you use for routine tasks, or check whether your ULT freezer can safely run at -70C. Small, repeatable actions build the habit and the momentum that bigger projects need later.

Why should scientists care about lab sustainability?

Lab sustainability matters because science is one of the most resource intensive activities a workplace can host, and the scientific community is uniquely placed to lead change. Reducing energy, water, and consumables also reduces costs, freeing up budget for the research itself and it builds the kind of culture that attracts the next generation of researchers.