Laboratories are the engines of scientific discovery, but they’re also a very resource-intensive workplace. In fact, the average lab produces around 20 tons of carbon emissions every year. Yet the same scientists driving innovation also hold the keys to making their work more sustainable. 

In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai speak with Raj Patey, Business Development Director at My Green Lab, an organization on a mission to turn laboratories worldwide into environmental leaders. Together, they unpack the hidden environmental cost of modern science and explore how labs across academia, pharma, and healthcare are working to reduce their footprint without compromising research quality or safety. 

The conversation dives into the three pillars of lab sustainability: energy, water, and waste, and reveals the surprising scale of lab-related emissions. Small tweaks, such as raising freezer temperatures from –80°C to –70°C (-159°F), can save the equivalent energy of an entire household. 

From major case studies like GSK’s pilot program saving 150 tons of CO₂ and $226,000 annually, to university initiatives achieving full sustainability accreditation, this episode highlights that going green isn’t just ethical, it’s economical. Raj also shares insights into how My Green Lab’s certification programs and ambassador training empower scientists to make tangible change, and how a new generation of researchers is rethinking everything from procurement to protocol design with sustainability in mind. 

LINKS 

• Raj Patey on LinkedIn 
• My Green Lab Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn 
• Balancing The Future Podcast Website 
• Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn 
• Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn 

SOURCES 

The relevance of sustainable laboratory practices – PubMed 

Re-use of laboratory utensils reduces CO2 equivalent footprint and running costs – PLOS One 

Greener and smarter: Positive post-pandemic effects in the laboratory sector – Starlab 

Act now to prevent uncontrolled rise in carbon footprint of computational science – University of Cambridge 

King's amongst first to achieve 100% lab sustainability accreditation – Kings College London 

Considering sustainability when purchasing for labs – University of Bristol 

The Great Laboratory Greenwash – The Pathologist 

The Cost of Greenwashing: Why Verified Transparency Is Your Best Investment – My Green Lab 

New Survey Assesses Attitudes and Actions toward Lab Sustainability – Lab Manager 

ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE: 

 Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet, to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. 

Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. 

ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS: 
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. 

From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.