Greener Science Starts with Us: Partnering for Real Change
Greener Science Takes a Village: Partnering for Real Change
The environmental impact of scientific research has become impossible to ignore. From energy-intensive equipment to the single-use plastics we rely on daily, laboratories leave a sizable footprint. But a growing number of scientists are pushing for change and rethinking how research gets done.
This movement is about finding ways to reduce waste and emissions while maintaining the precision, performance, and reliability that good science demands.
Rethinking Sustainability: Beyond the Bench
Consider something as simple as pipetting. Most scientists are aware of the plastic waste from tips, but what about the full story? How was that product made? What resources were used? Where does it go when you're done?
This approach—called life cycle thinking—asks us to look beyond the bench. It invites researchers to evaluate the environmental impact of tools and workflows from start to finish.
This broader view aligns with what's known in sustainability frameworks as Scope 3 emissions—the indirect emissions that occur across the value chain, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation, product use, and disposal. Often overlooked, Scope 3 emissions can actually represent the largest share of a lab’s overall carbon footprint.
By adopting life cycle thinking and addressing Scope 3 emissions, scientists can uncover hidden opportunities to make a bigger impact through seemingly small choices.
Creating the Conditions for Change
Sustainability in science is a challenge rooted in complex systems: procurement, energy use, waste management, and supply chains. Navigating this complexity can feel overwhelming, especially when time and resources are tight.
That’s why tools that simplify sustainable choices are so important. Bite-sized sustainability fact sheets, product comparisons, and clear environmental impact labels can help researchers make informed decisions, without needing a degree in supply chain logistics.
Third-party certifications, such as the ACT Label from My Green Lab , offer a transparent way to evaluate and compare the environmental impact of lab products. Think of it as a “nutrition label” for sustainability, giving scientists clarity without the guesswork.
Walking the Talk: Practical Steps Toward a Circular Lab
More and more scientists are asking: What can we do today to reduce our lab’s footprint?
Start with what you already use. Could your lab reduce packaging waste by switching to refill systems or bulk formats? Could you choose products made with renewable energy or recyclable materials? Can your workflows be optimized to use fewer consumables or less energy?
Some labs are already finding answers, cutting emissions by sourcing materials locally, installing energy-efficient equipment, or rethinking how waste is handled. Others are piloting circular practices, like returning used materials for recycling or repair.
While each lab is different, the opportunity to reduce environmental impact exists in every workflow.
Building a Sustainable Future—Together
Real progress in sustainable science happens when scientists, institutions, suppliers, and certifiers come together. At Sartorius, we’re committed to enabling this change , not only by designing more sustainable products, but by providing the transparency researchers need to drive meaningful progress from within their labs.
Here are a few highlights:
- Manufacturing: Our pipette tip site in Kajaani, Finland runs on 100% renewable electricity and even reuses heat to warm the facility.
- Transportation: By sourcing materials locally for our new Vivaflow® SU cassettes , we’ve slashed over 8,500 kilometers of transport—dramatically cutting emissions.
- Energy efficiency: The Quintix® Pro lab balance saves up to 10,000 watt-hours per year in a standard lab thanks to smarter electronics and automatic energy-saving features.
- Packaging: Our tip Refill Tower uses 67% less plastic, and we’re continuing to reduce packaging weight and transition to recyclable materials.
Sustainable science isn’t just possible—it’s already underway. And we can help you bring it to your lab.