In this collection we explore sustainable solutions for addressing global challenges, covering interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability, including renewable energy sources, green chemistry, reducing waste and emissions, circular economy principles, and solutions for a low carbon and net zero future.
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Sustainable laboratories report uncovers what chemists are already doing to reduce the environmental footprint of their research, while at the same time continuing to deliver the ground-breaking discoveries and innovation that make the world a better place. This report shares the barriers and trade-offs they face in making sustainability-related changes, and the many opportunities for collaboration and other positive action.
The Royal Society of Chemistry also curated a special collection of research from its journals that showcases some of the innovative approaches to reduce the environmental impact of research, from solvent selection guides to machine learning approaches and more.
Tackling climate is not just a job for scientists in more developed countries. Munyaradzi Makoni talks to researchers in Kenya and South Africa to find out more
The Royal Society of Chemistry aims to use Cop26 as a springboard to a more sustainable future. Rachel Brazil reports
After a decade of grassroots growth, the laboratory sustainability movement is bursting into the mainstream finds James Mitchell Crow
Reducing the environmental impact of your lab can save money as well as water and fuel. Phillip Broadwith reports
Labs have an outsized environmental footprint but solutions are within reach
In just three simple steps rare earth element can be recovered, avoiding ‘ecologically devastating’ mining
Royal Society report warns that without intervention defossilisation of the chemicals sector will take many decades
The Royal Society of Chemistry to support 33 projects in 11 countries aiming to make chemistry research greener
Lab Innovations brings together experts from all corners of the industry
World’s leading chemical companies spearhead initiative to decarbonise supply chains
The UK’s only trade fair for the whole lab industry forges the way to sustainability and innovation
Unique mud formula coats and roughens baseballs, boosting control and grip for pitchers
Government funding welcomed, but issues over strategy and CO2 purity persist
Low-energy device is a ‘step forward’ for sustainable lithium mining
Rule changes intend to make Formula One more environmentally friendly from 2026. But what are the changes, and can a sport known for gas-guzzling engines really go green?
Scientists and entrepreneurs are sowing the seeds for a new kind of industry. Hayley Bennett explores the buzz around the marine ‘biorefinery’ business – and what might hold it back
Technologies available now can decarbonise most heat demand, but cost and infrastructure barriers still exist
Holistic analysis combines models and experiments to find the sorbent that works for each industrial site
Electrochemical catalytic system can handle real wastewater
Labs have an outsized environmental footprint but solutions are within reach
Proof-of-concept trifluoromethylation study attempts post-consumer plastic waste challenge
Practical advice builds on a new study comparing air-cooled condensers
A new strategy chemically recycles the most common fibres found in fashion waste, including polyester, cotton and nylon
Database set to support recycling research by detailing the chemical composition and physical properties of 59 polymers from common commercial vendors
Cobalt–tungsten catalyst provides a commercially viable alternative to scarce metals like iridium
In just three simple steps rare earth element can be recovered, avoiding ‘ecologically devastating’ mining
Common belief that Earth-abundant metals are green replacements for palladium may be misleading
Cement can be regenerated during steel recycling in an electric arc furnace
Impatient for change, she joined Paris-based sustainable ‘deep tech’ agency Hello Tomorrow
Waste gases from landfills could be turned into valuable chemical feedstocks
Collaboration with Sabic and Linde will test two different furnace designs
The Royal Society of Chemistry to support 33 projects in 11 countries aiming to make chemistry research greener
Nanotextured surface of titanium and nickel waste supports platinum and cobalt atoms to create effective electrocatalysts
Learn how chemistry is playing an important role in shaping the future of sustainable development in India