Post by University of Groningen

Can science labs become more eco-friendly environments? What would a green science lab look like? Thomas Freese, who is a member of Green Labs RUG and founding member of Green Labs NL, explains that green labs ‘actively reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high-quality research and teaching.’ And this turned out to be necessary. A 2024 paper by Freese (Faculty of Science and Engineering - University of Groningen) and co-authors found that laboratories might contribute up to 60 to 65% of university energy consumption, and about 60% of water use. ‘If science is committed to addressing global environmental challenges, then scientific practice itself should reflect those same principles’, Freese says. He and PhD candidate Brian A. Wagner (Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences - University of Groningen) explored how to promote greener behaviour in chemistry labs. Wagner explains that ‘this project is a cross faculty collaboration between chemists and psychologists, all working towards the shared aim of reducing the environmental impact of laboratory education while contributing their respective expertise.’ Read more about science going green by clicking the link below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eFCNjU6u #science #green #sustainability #universityofgroningen #rijksuniversiteitgroningen Photo: Henk Veenstra