How chemists are making laboratories more sustainable

Chemistry plays a vital role in tackling global challenges, but we also recognise that scientific research itself can have a significant environmental footprint. In 2021, the chemical sciences community told the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) there was a strong appetite to reduce the impact of laboratory research. Conversations with RSC Science Subject Community Councils, alongside a global survey of nearly 700 scientists, led to the publication of the RSC Sustainable Laboratories report in 2022. The report explored the challenges involved in implementing more sustainable practices, and highlighted common barriers: from limited data and expertise to time pressures and funding constraints.

Alongside the report, the RSC made a three-year commitment to funding initiatives that could accelerate the uptake of more sustainable laboratory practices, with benefits beyond individual institutions. The Sustainable Laboratories Grants scheme, which has now awarded its final round of funding, has to date supported over 80 projects. These are already delivering practical outputs – from new data and tools to fresh insights into behaviour change. 

This Chemistry World article collection shares perspectives from some of the scientists whose projects are now complete, demonstrating how evidence-based actions can lead to sustainable practices that persist and influence further change among the chemistry community. Each article also contains tips you can apply in your lab too.