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About

OUR MISSION

My Green Lab award group photo

SRI - Steering Group and Wetlabs forum

The UCD Sustainable Research Initiative (SRI)

The UCD Sustainable Research Initiative (SRI) is a grassroots, bottom-up movement and community of practice dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability in research across University College Dublin. Originating as a pilot project within the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences (CHAS) in December 2021, the initiative has since expanded to include members from diverse disciplines throughout the university, now affiliated with the UCD Sustainability Unit.

For more information email us at (opens in a new window)greenlabs@ucd.ie.

Key Objectives and Activities:

  • Institutional Support: Securing institutional support and resources to promote sustainable research practices.
  • Collaboration and Networking: Building synergies, developing relationships, and strengthening existing networks to enhance sustainability efforts.
  • Resource Development: Creating UCD-specific resources to assist researchers in implementing sustainable practices effectively.
  • National and International Engagement: Achieving formal UCD membership in Irish Green Labs and aligning with global sustainability initiatives.
  • Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the importance of sustainability in research across UCD.
  • Practical Implementation: Focusing on practical solutions, particularly in high-impact areas like "sustainability in wet labs."
  • My Green Lab Certification: Participating in and promoting the My Green Lab certification process, which audits and improves laboratory sustainability in areas like energy use and waste management.
  • Knowledge Sharing: Facilitating monthly meetings where members share experiences and best practices in sustainable lab management.
  • Events and Workshops: Organising themed events, such as Green Week workshops, to promote awareness of sustainable practices, including collaborations with organisations like Precious Plastics.

Structure and Participation:

  • An Interim Working Group initially piloted the initiative in CHAS, leading to the formation of a Steering Group in September 2022.
  • The Steering Group meets monthly to discuss sustainability practices and organize networking events.
  • A dedicated "wet labs group" meets monthly during term to address specific sustainability challenges in research laboratories.
  • Membership is open to all UCD staff and students interested in embedding sustainability in their work.
  • The SRI is currently lead by a steering group including members from many UCD schools, and UCD support services.

Benefits and Impact:

  • Reducing the negative environmental impact of research.
  • Promoting collective action and knowledge sharing across UCD.
  • Establishing UCD as a national leader in sustainable research, aligning with the UCD Strategy "Rising to the Future."
  • Promoting UCD as an active player in global sustainability initiatives.

Resources and Contact:

  • For inquiries about the wet labs group and lab sustainability, contact: greenlabs@ucd.ie
  • Further information on sustainable lab practices can be found at:
    • www.mygreenlab.org
    • irishgreenlabs.org
    • LEAF in Labs.

Sustainable Research Initiative