In 2024, My Green Lab and the global green lab community achieved extraordinary milestones, further embedding sustainability into the fabric of scientific research. From the launch of third-party certification organization Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab Certification 2.0 to record-breaking participation in the Freezer Challenge and the expansion of our Accelerator Partner Program, the past year showcased the growing momentum of our mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. As we look back on these milestones, the strength of our community continues to shine as the driving force behind the movement. From engaged scientists and lab professionals to visionary collaborators, sponsors, and partners, the shared commitment to sustainability in science is creating transformative change on a global scale. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported and championed these efforts throughout the last year. Your dedication has shaped an impactful 2024 and set the stage for an even brighter future. Below are the top ten highlights and milestones that defined My Green Lab’s journey in 2024. 1. Launch of Impact Laboratories In 2024, My Green Lab introduced Impact Laboratories, a subsidiary dedicated to providing independent, third-party verification for My Green Lab Certification. Third-party verification enhances the integrity and rigor of our certification process, aligning with international best practices and supporting the global expansion of sustainable lab practices. 2. EPA Recommendation of My Green Lab Certification and ACT Ecolabel Program The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels to include My Green Lab Certification and the ACT Ecolabel Program as the only approved standards for labs and lab products. This mark of distinction from EPA highlights our programs' alignment with international sustainability goals and their role in promoting environmentally preferable best practices and purchasing within the scientific community. 3. Release of the 2024 Carbon Impact of Biotech and Pharma Report During COP 29 in November, we released the Carbon Impact of Biotech and Pharma report. This report highlights progress while calling for deeper systemic changes as the industry approaches a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey. It offers a comprehensive overview of the biotech and pharma industry's carbon footprint and its alignment with the Paris Climate Agreement. 4. Launch of My Green Lab Certification 2.0 and Program Milestones In late 2024, we unveiled My Green Lab Certification 2.0, featuring advanced tools and resources to support labs on their sustainability journey, with AstraZeneca becoming the first company to implement the enhanced program. Updates to the program include third-party verification, streamlined engagement surveys, and an integrated impact estimator. My Green Lab Certification also hit new milestones in 2024, with over 3,750 labs involved in the program, engaging more than 41,000 scientists across 50 countries around the world. 5. Biogen Achieves 100% My Green Lab Certification In 2024, we were proud to highlight Biogen who became the first large biotech company to achieve 100% My Green Lab Certification for all its labs. This milestone helps set a new standard for sustainability in the industry and demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to environmental responsibility in the lab. 6. New Board Members: Dr. Fiona Adshead and Malcolm Bell Last year, we welcomed Dr. Fiona Adshead, Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, and Malcolm Bell, Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, to the My Green Lab Board of Directors. Their extensive experience in sustainability and healthcare innovation strengthens our leadership and strategic direction. 7. The Freezer Challenge’s Record-Breaking Year The 2024 International Laboratory Freezer Challenge achieved record-breaking results, with participants saving 31.8 million kWh of energy by promoting sustainable cold storage best practices in their labs. This accomplishment equates to avoiding 22,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, marking a significant advancement in laboratory energy efficiency. The 2025 Freezer Challenge is currently underway, be sure to sign your lab up here. 8. Growth of the Accredited Professional (AP) Course Our AP course has grown to include 240 individuals who are equipped with the knowledge and credentials to lead sustainability initiatives within their laboratories. This program, the first credential of its kind, offers six online modules to help expand sustainability knowledge including waste, Green Chemistry, engagement, procurement, energy, and water. Check it out here. 9. Launch of Accelerator Partner Program We were proud to introduce the Accelerator Partner Program which recognizes and supports sustainability consulting services and organizations within the health sector that are trained to be experts in My Green Lab Certification. This initiative provides participating organizations with essential resources and recognition to advance sustainability efforts in laboratories. 10. My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories Team's Continued Growth Last but certainly not least, a huge thank you the incredible team at My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories for their unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable science. None of the milestones highlighted above would have been possible without their dedication and passion for building a better future. We are also thrilled to share that our team’s growth in 2024 included two very special additions! Congratulations to Vice President of Strategic Growth Stephanie Millar and Marketing Intern Taeler Nickerson and their families, who both welcomed little ones into the world last year. In gratitude, James Connelly Chief Executive Officer, My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories Comments are closed.
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