Science and Healthcare Sustainability Podcast

In this episode we talk to Ben Gray from Sustainable Steps who is trying to help labs operate more sustainably one practical step at a time. Ben tells us what inspired him to start the programme and gives some practical advice on how to reduce plastics, energy and cost in the lab. One not to miss for any lab managers looking to implement change!

In this episode we chat to Dr Marie Parker from the University of Leeds who is an actual user of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework - LEAF Following on from our episode with Andrea and Caitlin from LEAF/UCL we see how a senior lab manager has implemented the framework to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their laboratories. Marie also explains how the University of Leeds have implemented My Green Labs freezer challenge to great effect, achieving some impressive energy saving results.

In this episode Andrea and Caitlin tell us all about the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework - LEAF LEAF is a standard set by UCL to improve the sustainability and efficiency of laboratories. Laboratory-based research is essential for advancing society but it is also extremely energy and resource intensive. It’s estimated that laboratories are responsible for around 2% of global plastic waste and use 3-10 times more energy per meter squared than a typical office. The LEAF programme helps laboratories reduce their carbon emissions and create an environment that supports research quality. Laboratories are awarded either a Bronze, Silver, or Gold level depending on how many sustainability actions they take. Hear all about the challenges, successes and some tips to achieving LEAF

In this fascinating episode John and Colin tell us all about two of their innovative products that are tackling very serious, global healthcare problems in a sustainable, cost effective and impactful way. Hygieia-San is a revolutionary disinfectant made from natural ingredients and safe for disposal down sinks and drains due to being biodegradable. Vectorcide is an anti-mosquito coating that is a huge technological advancement over current methods which are damaging to the environment. Hear about how both solutions are saving lives and helping the environment! #sustainablesolutions #sustainability #mosquito

In this episode Harriet tells us about her varied career working for the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Lab Matters Podcast which showcases some of the incredible Scientists who visit the Lab Innovations event each year at the NEC. We learn about some of Harriets favourite Lab Innovation Awards winners and hear about some of the inspiring guests that have been on her podcast.

Founded in 2014, Grenova set the standard for creating environmentally friendly solutions for the life sciences industry. Recognising the massive waste generated from daily laboratory operations, Grenova set out to change the way laboratories manage plastic consumables. CEO Katherine Marrs and Account Manager Derek Dulek tell us all about how their pioneering technology enables labs to decontaminate and reuse pipette tips and microwell plates, significantly decreasing plastic waste. Hear about how this full carbon costed and monetary cost saving process can help free up budget to implement other sustainable initivaties

In this episode the incredible knowledgable Greg Kwak from Diversified Biotech tells us all about their innovative Planet Safe products - the plant based alternative to plastic consumables. We learn how they are made, the steps Diversified Bio are making to ensure that process is as green as possible and their plans for the future of the range. #plantbased #science #sustainability

In this episode founder of Polycarbin Noah Pyles talks us through how he and his co-founder; James O'Brien created and scaled this incredible company. Their mission was to divert as many single-use consumables from landfills and incinerators as possible and redirect those resources back into the production of low carbon consumables and Noah describes how far they have come on that journey and what is possible for the future. If you work in a lab and have ever wondered if all the plastic waste can be saved from incineration or landfill take a listen!

In this Episode we are delighted to be joined by Jenna Lowe, Sustainability Officer from the University of Liverpool. Jenna talks about the amazing work she has done to promote sustainability in the Universities labs and the milestones they have reached. Jenna is responsible for helping the 154 laboratories across the University campuses to achieve LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework), an initiative born out of UCL (University College London) to help labs benchmark their sustainable credentials against their framework. Jenna talks us through the 3 levels, bronze, silver, gold and how she advises labs to achieve it. The role isn't without challenges and Jenna talks us through some of them as well as her top tips to improve lab environmental credentials.

In this episode Harry tells us all about the importance of standardised measurements for equipment energy efficiency, what Haier Biomedical are doing to reduce their carbon footprint and the leaps forward they are making in R&D. Harry puts particular focus on his area of expertise; ultra low temperature storage, and explains how Haier have made a huge reduction in the energy usage of their latest 'ultra low impact' ultra low temperature freezer. Not only does it use half the energy but also out performs all their other models with longer hold times and better recovery! Harry also gives tips on prolonging the life of freezers (or any equipment) and maximising efficiency. One not to miss!

In this Episode Raj Patey talks about the amazing work My Green Lab are doing to promote sustainable lab practices. My Green Lab is fundamentally and permanently improving the sustainability of scientific research. As a non-profit organisation, they were formed to unify and lead scientists, vendors, designers, energy providers, and others in a common drive toward a world in which all research reflects the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility. Run “for scientists, by scientists,” they leverage their credibility and track record to develop standards, oversee their implementation, and inspire the many behavioural changes that are needed throughout the scientific community. Though My Green Lab focuses solely on laboratory environments, they believe their activities will excite similar changes across other industries, and in the private lives of the millions of people who spend their time in labs.

In this Episode Dr Nicola Kingswell talks about their incredible lab grown skin product that is saving cosmetics and healthcare brands from expensive and environmentally damaging animal testing. Dr Kingswell tells us about the measures the company is taking to operate their lab more sustainably as well as the exciting plans the company has for product development.

In this Episode Joel from Green Elephant Bio talks about the environmental and commercial challenges in Bioprocessing and how the plant based solutions from Green Elephant Bio can help solve them. For the CellScrew being sustainable is just the cherry on top of a technical and scalable solution. Find out how Green Elephant Bio products can be implemented at early stage research to benefit downstream commercial and environmental viability of getting a bio product to market. #environmental #podcast #ecologicalbalance #innovation #sustainablescience #interview #environmentalscience #plantbased #bioplastics #greenelephant

In this episode we are joined by Lucy Brown from The Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. Lucy talks passionately about the incredible work the centre does to educate practitioners about the simple changes that make a big difference and the people who inspired her to be so dedicated! Learn about the changes that can be implemented in healthcare settings and our everyday lives. #environmental #podcast #ecologicalbalance #education #healthcare #innovation #sustainability #sustainabilitytips #ecofriendly #nursing

In this episode Jay talks about Biograd's goals to be carbon neutral by 2035. Jay tells us how Biograd Education are working to educate the next generation of Scientists and Healthcare professionals to operate sustainably, how Biograd Biobank cut their costs and energy usage by choosing energy efficient equipment and how samples stored in the UK can save researchers money as well as carbon! We also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business, science and students plus how Biograd pivoted quickly to provide employment to hundreds of young people during a difficult time. Listen, subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode we touch on everything from waste streams to AI. Dan explains the huge benefits of ensuring waste goes in the right waste stream and, crucially, the right receptacle - showcasing the innovative and carbon saving Bio-Bins. Dan explains how he recently acquired the company from his father and the challenges and plans for the future; including new products and markets. Listen to Dans top tips for being more sustainable in healthcare and science settings and how to save money! #sustainable #sustainability #sustainabilitytips #environment #environmental #environmentalscience #laboratory #laboratorywaste #healthcarewaste #costsaving

In this episode we discuss the huge benefits of recycling laboratory plastics and the implications for the science, medical, veterinary and dental industries. Danielle explain how she came to start Recycle Lab, the challenges and plans for the future; including a webpage that quantifies customers carbon savings and lab consumables made from the collected resource. #sustainable #sustainability #sustainabilitytips #environment #environmental #environmentalscience #laboratory #laboratoryrecycling #medicalwaste #hazardouswaste #labwasterecycling #science