Griffith launches Green Labs program

14 April 2016

Griffith Sciences and Griffith Health laboratories are going green.

Griffith University Green Labs program
Griffith Sciences Technical Manager Stephen Boyd, Eskitis Institute Director Professor Jennifer Martin and Sustainability Project Officer Kay Ollett at the launch of the Green Labs program at Nathan campus (Photo credit: Griffith University)

The Green Labs program aims to provide more sustainable practices in laboratory procedures and management.
“In laboratories sustainability offers real challenges and opportunities in minimizing energy, water consumption and chemical/biological waster,’’ says Stephen Boyd, Griffith Sciences Technical Manager.
“Compared to other work areas such as office space, laboratories are high-energy consumers and/or producers of these factors.
“Making even small changes in energy consumption or waste production will provide a significant benefit in reducing the carbon footprint and environmental load from laboratory operations.”
Green Labs objectives:

  • Reduce energy and water consumption
  • Improve waste disposal and recycling practices
  • Raise environmental impact and protection awareness in laboratories
  • Improve purchasing decisions in laboratories

Griffith University Green Labs program
Second-year Bachelor of Science student Clinton Carty-Lewis uses a lower fume cupboard hood sash height to conserve energy (Photo credit: Griffith University)

“Simple practices include switching off electrical appliances when not in use, reduction of fume cupboard hood sash heights which reduces waste of conditioned air, and appropriate sharing of chemicals to minimise duplication and accumulation in stock.
“Universities worldwide are implementing sustainability initiatives including similar Green Lab programs. Griffith University will continue to develop the program to be as comprehensive as possible.”

Griffith School of Environment

Since its inception, Griffith has had an ongoing commitment to the environment and sustainability. As a forerunner in the field, in 1975 Griffith launched Australia’s first environmental science degree and since then, has continued to lead in areas of environmental science, education, research and practices.
In 2010 Griffith reinforced its sustainability commitment when it signed up to the UN Global Compact—the world’s largest voluntary corporate and sustainability initiative. The Compact has 10 universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
‘To be a sustainable university’ is one of five key goals in Griffith University’s Strategic Plan 2013–2017.
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Would you like to study environmental science at Griffith University? Contact OzTREKK Admission Officer Shannon Tilston at shannon@oztrekk.com for more information.

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