BVS Sustainability

BRF lab areas typically have a larger carbon footprint than other areas of the university, as due to the nature of the facilities, the energy and water demands tend to be far greater than in other areas.

There are however things that we can do to attempt to reduce our carbon footprint.

What can I do?

Energy:

• Recycle - BVS labs all have recycling facilities, although in some cases bins may be outside of the main lab area (ask a BVS staff member if you're unsure).
• Lights - Lights in some lab areas need to be left on, but in office and break areas these can generally be turned off (look for turn off when not in use stickers).
• Computing Equipment - monitors can be turned off when not in use.
• Fume Hoods/Biosafety Cabinets - turn off when not in use (if appropriate, check with the Unit Manager for local rules).
• HVAC systems - ensure that doors are closed where appropriate, to allow systems to function efficiently and report and problems or faults to the Unit Manager immediately.
• Freezers - Racking and/or boxes should be used to appropriately organise samples and efficiently use space. If necessary in some cases polystyrene boxes or ice packs can be used to fill up empty space (check with Unit Manager for local rules). 

Travel:

• Use alternatives to driving or taking taxis, information on a range of sustainable transport, from walking, and cycling, to public transport and be found on the main Transport & Parking webpage.

Water:

• Don't leave taps running unnecessarily
• Ensure that cage washers/autoclaves are set to the correct program, and run fully loaded rather than half empty whenever possible.
• Report any leaks/floods to the Unit Manager immediately.

Paper:

• Think before you print, for example, does an email need to be printed if it can be accessed on a computer?

Chemicals:

• Ensure that chemicals are disposed of in accordance to the instructions on the relevant MSDS sheet (if the chemicals have been provided by BVS, ask the Unit Manager in your area if you do not have access to this, otherwise this should be provided by your PI).

Waste & Recycling

• Recycling facilities are available in, or just outside of most BVS lab areas, if you are unsure where these are located, please ask a member of BVS staff.
• The waste department provide an A to Z of waste showing how to dispose of various types of waste.
• Laboratory Waste - Some guidance is issued on the Waste department website, and BVS facility managers can advise on local practice in BVS lab areas.

Sustainability Awards:

BVS first participated in the 2017 Sustainability Awards and were delighted to revieve the Bronze award for Labs, and Offices. We will be participating again in 2019 and hope to retain our accreditation. Further information can be found on the University Social Responsibility and Sustainability webpage.

The sustainability department also offer laboratory specific sustainability guidance.

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If you would like further information on sustainability within BVS, please contact the BVS Sustainability Coordinator.