Sustainability in the laboratories at the FHNW School of Life Sciences

Sustainable laboratory processes must be a given!
The study on Sustainability in the FHNW School of Life Sciences Laboratory Operations, launched in March 2024, is based on FHNW sustainability initiatives and the eco-friendly Muttenz campus building. It aims to reduce energy and resource use in the labs significantly, via measures that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday lab work.

Project overview and phases

• Analysis and optimisation:
  – Identification of lab processes linked to water consumption, energy saving and resource management.
  – Collection of consumption data before and after the introduction of measures.

• Implementation of standardised concepts for the whole HLS:
  – Water: e.g. optimise washing machine management
  – Energy: efficient use of energy-intensive appliances such as freezers.
  – Resources: Cut plastic consumption, promote recyclable materials and reduce waste in cooperation with external waste disposal providers.

• Training and communication:
  – Laboratory staff training on sustainable resource use.
  – Standardised signs and clear instructions.

• Documentation and networking:
  – Preparation of results in the form of data analyses, standardised operating procedures (SOPs) and integration into the HLS safety concept (Sicherheitshandbuch_5.0 final).
  – Active participation in networks such as the Swiss Network Green Lab.

Prospects and goals
The project ends in December 2024 but marks the start of a long-term transition to more sustainable laboratory practices.The aim is to establish the measures and findings permanently in everyday lab work and continuously develop them.

Together towards a sustainable future
Stay informed!
The first results will be presented in 2025 and are an appeal to all laboratory users: Only through joint commitment can sustainable science and research succeed!