Sustainable research

At the University of Birmingham, we’re proud to be one of the world’s top research universities and we take that responsibility seriously. We know that great research should also make the world a better place. That’s why we’re committed to tackling global sustainability and climate challenges through our research, our campus practices and our partnerships around the world. 

We’re passionate about doing research in a way that’s kind to the planet, reducing our environmental impact wherever we can. As a proud signatory of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, we’re committed to continuous improvement and leading by example in making research greener and socially responsible.

Green laboratories

Our laboratories play a crucial role in research but also have a significant environmental footprint. They consume substantial energy and water, involve use and disposal of chemicals, and generate considerable waste, particularly plastics. Implementing sustainable practices in our laboratories can reduce these environmental impacts, lower costs, and ensure we’re using our resources efficiently.

All University laboratory technicians are invited to join our Technical Academy. The Technical Academy offers guidance, training, and support to help develop and integrate green laboratory standards across our campus.

Our Green Laboratory Accreditation Scheme is designed to assist researchers in wet laboratories (those involving liquids, chemicals, or biological materials) in demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. Participation in this scheme not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also aligns with the increasing expectations from funding bodies for evidence of sustainable practices in research.

Applicants will have access to a comprehensive toolkit to guide them through the accreditation process and identify and implement practices that minimise environmental impact in our laboratories. A trained student auditor will independently verify that the actions outlined in the application have been completed.

For more information about this year’s scheme or to get started, please contact the Technical Academy.