The analogy I often use is health & safety – when we asked laboratories to improve their safety, we didn’t ask them to each invent their own set of rules separately, a standardised approach was developed. Why not do this for sustainability as well?
Ok, so why should scientists become accredited?
The great part here is that there’s often a benefit to everyone. Above all, the environmental sustainability of our research spaces are improved, and carbon emissions are reduced. That’s a win for everyone. Beyond this though, research and technical staff will gain external recognition for sustainability, which is important when many sustainability actions are voluntary. The science itself can benefit also, in that sustainability actions can lead to cost savings, as well as align with good lab practice.
On an individual level, are there things researchers can do – as opposed from their host institutions – to really change things?
There’s a great variety of ways researchers can really change things. They can implement changes within their labs themselves, for e.g. introducing a new form of reuse, or validating a low-carbon material for a protocol. Such actions benefit the environment, but also can inspire others to act. Scientists can also advocate for change, in their own institutions or beyond. The understanding of climate change is thanks to the work of researchers and communicators, and so scientists can advocate the need for action, as well as research and communicate solutions.
How have you seen environmental sustainability change in research over the years?
I’ve been fortunate to have worked for over a decade in working towards more environmentally sustainable research, and it’s really motivating to see the appetite from the research community for solutions regarding environmental sustainability. I suppose this isn’t surprising, in that we have this same community to thank for the science that’s allowed us to understand the challenge of climate change. Beyond individuals though, we’ve seen a groundswell of activity from institutions, funders, and industry as well. We haven’t found all the solutions yet, but we’re getting there.
You helped us with our environmental sustainability policy – how important is it that organisations like CRUK set expectations for researchers in this way?
Funders, like all parties, play a crucial role driving sustainable research. Having a funder like CRUK develop environmental sustainability policy sends a signal to the research community that this is being taken more seriously, and that the system is moving from voluntary individual action to collaborative and standardised approach, which long-term will benefit all. It’s incredibly exciting to be able to support such work, as well as continue to develop it.
