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Sustainability in the Lab: what's in it for me?

You hear about "sustainability" everywhere, but it often degenerates into an empty phrase. This is especially common when it is used in politics or business. But what does it really mean, and what do we get out of it in the laboratory? Let's take a quick look at the essentials.

What does sustainability really mean?

Sustainable action is taken by those who satisfy the needs of the present in such a way that future generations do not suffer and global resources are preserved in the long term: economically efficient, socially just, ecologically sustainable. That is the official definition in short.

The dilemma

In the analytical laboratory, I have a lot of responsibility - whether it's pharmaceuticals, quality control or forensics. If I don't have my analysis under control, mistakes happen. That has far-reaching consequences, and at some point my chair starts to wobble. How am I supposed to worry about sustainability? Many people who have to perform on a daily basis know this. Many companies have discovered the topic for advertising purposes: "Look at how much good we are doing!" But sustainability must be actively practiced. We can buy lots of certificates, oblige our suppliers to be sustainable, support every social or ecological project, recycle laboratory waste better - but a "clear conscience" is of no use if our basement is dirty.

The balancing Act

On the other hand, we have to think economically. As long as we live in a market economy, workers have to be paid and costs covered. After all, not everyone can become a revolutionary who turns the entire system upside down until we achieve "ecological perfection". So we should perform, earn money and keep costs low. For many people, this is difficult to reconcile with sustainability. Anyone who can manage this balancing act is doing everything right at the moment. At least until the real "ecological revolution" happens.

How does sustainability benefit my daily work?

A thought experiment: let's think selfishly first. What do I need/want in the lab?

1. Protection and security (who likes to poison themselves?)
2. Useful stuff (makes my work better)
3. Convenient stuff (makes my work easier)

But what does that have to do with sustainability? How does it protect future generations or the planet? Our table shows some examples of how a sustainable approach to laboratory work not only brings benefits to oneself, but also has a lasting impact on the future.

Table: Benefits of sustainable attitudes - for the individual and the community

Conclusion: EVERYONE benefits

Even if many companies see sustainability as a tedious obligation, a change in thinking is taking place, particularly among customers and employees. Those who use sustainability as a mere facade will also suffer economically in the future.

Picture: A small maneuver with a big impact: If you properly close solvent containers on your HPLC system, you make an important contribution to sustainable safety and environmental protection with little effort.

Incorporating sustainable processes into daily laboratory work is often easier than expected. It doesn't have to be an investment of millions. Small measures are an important start and can be implemented with extremely little effort, e.g. when handling solvents and their containers safely. A small step is also a start: better now than later.