Bridging Education and Action for Greener Labs: The Accredited Professional Program

​In the ever-evolving landscape of scientific research, balancing groundbreaking discoveries with sustainable practices is critical, as labs are resource-intensive spaces with significant environmental impacts. Envision a world where every laboratory operates at peak efficiency, not just in its research but in its commitment to sustainability. Achieving this vision begins with one crucial element: education.
 
In the realm of lab sustainability, knowledge isn’t just power – it’s the engine that drives meaningful change. Educating professionals within the scientific sector about sustainability is essential because it empowers them to make informed decisions that reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower carbon footprints.
 
As the first program of its kind, the My Green Lab Accredited Professional (AP) Program offers the knowledge and know-how to bring sustainability best practices to life in the lab.
 
Comprehensive Lab Sustainability Education
 
“Knowing that inefficient laboratories can consume ten times more energy, produce significantly more single-use waste, and use four times more water than commercial buildings, it was obvious where to focus… but how?” asked Accredited Professional (AP) Tolga Berk, Senior Consultant at Waldner. “The AP program provided the perfect answer, offering a well-structured framework, clear guidance on what can be done, and content of available programs to support scientists on their journey to a sustainable future.”
 
The My Green Lab AP Program is a comprehensive course designed to deepen your understanding of various sustainable lab topics. The program covers six critical areas of lab sustainability, each explored in-depth through dedicated modules including Waste, Water, Energy, Procurement, Engagement, and Green Chemistry. Through an interactive virtual format, participants gain access to expert content developed by leading professionals in the field, emphasizing practical tools and takeaways.
 
Designed for scientists and people who support or work with laboratories, there are no prerequisites for becoming a My Green Lab AP. With nearly 150 My Green Lab APs (as of July 2024), the program fosters a global network of sustainability leaders dedicated to transforming laboratory operations and promoting a greener future.
 
From Waste Management to Financial Savings: Insights from My Green Lab Accredited Professionals
 
Implementing the knowledge learned from the My Green Lab AP program has led to cost savings, efficiency improvements, and more. Since implementing sustainable practices, “The biggest area of improvement has been managing our various waste streams, be it either reducing, reusing, or recycling,” shares Chris Underwood, Laboratory Technical Manager at Affinity Water. “Nitrile gloves, plastic bottles, pipette tips and boxes, food waste, and glass have all been looked at and substantial improvements made,” he continues.
 
The program has also helped drive substantial financial savings through enhanced energy efficiency. Tolga Berk highlighted the benefits of optimizing HVAC systems and reducing energy consumption, noting, "By working with labs aiming for My Green Lab certification or energy efficiency, we achieved up to 40% HVAC optimization and a 30% reduction in energy usage from infrastructure and plug loads. By converting lighting systems from fluorescent to LED, we saved approximately 75,000 EUR per building annually."
 
Building a culture of sustainability within the lab is crucial for maintaining long term progress, as emphasized throughout the program. Triumvirate Environmental’s EHS Consultant Kiersten Dinda highlighted the importance of fostering enthusiasm and creating a dedicated team: "Once you initiate engagement and involve individuals onsite, it enhances the work environment as others become motivated. By demonstrating the potential changes and long-term benefits to those individuals, their enthusiasm grows. While introducing changes can initially be challenging, establishing a core group of sustainability advocates onsite can possibly expedite the process of implementing change and keeping that motivation alive."
 
The Professional and Community Impact of the My Green Lab AP Program
 
The My Green Lab AP Program has had a profound impact on the professional development and community outreach efforts of many APs. Andy Cooley, Global Sustainability Lead at PerkinElmer, notes “Obtaining this accreditation is important for establishing myself as a credible sustainability professional. This external recognition enhances my professional profile and enables me to contribute effectively to the sustainable laboratory community.”
 
Chris Underwood elaborates, "More and more people want to work for a company that has sustainability credentials. I recently interviewed someone for a role that was attracted to the position because of the green credentials gained through the accredited professional and certification programs."
 
Additionally, the program has proven valuable for educational and outreach activities. Mary Sekiya, Chief Technical Officer and Laboratory Manager at University College Dublin, shared, "The accreditation has provided a wealth of information that I can draw on for presentations and outreach events. I was able to use information on energy consumption of low-temperature freezers in an interactive sustainability quiz I presented at a recent graduate student symposium."
 
Through education, practical guidance, and a focus on impactful action, the program continues to drive meaningful change in the lab environment.
 
A Program for All Professionals
 
Completing the My Green Lab AP Program not only equips you with a robust understanding of lab sustainability but also offers industry recognition that can be invaluable for career advancement. It demonstrates expertise and commitment to sustainable practices, enhancing professional credibility and positioning APs as leaders in the field of lab sustainability.
 
The AP program’s comprehensive approach to sustainability benefits a wide range of professionals, as emphasized by Tolga Berk: “After completing the program, I can easily say that the accreditation is not just designed for laboratories and their scientists. It is a comprehensive program that offers valuable insights for a wide range of professionals, including procurement managers, health and safety experts, facility managers, project managers, and even service providers like me.”

Start your sustainability journey today by
​signing up for the My Green Lab AP Program here.