Limerick labs among first in Ireland to earn green certification

RESEARCH spaces in two Limerick higher education institutions  are among 12 nationwide to receive sustainable laboratory certifications under a Research Ireland-led programme.

Confirmation of the recognition came from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless ,TD.

Among the 72 sustainable laboratory certifications recipients are Declan Devine from the Technological University of the Shannon and UL duo  Sarah Guerin and Vivek Ranade.

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Making the certifications announcement, Minister Lawless said “Research involves more than exploration and discovery; it also demands attention to how we conduct our work and the impact it has on our communities and our planet.

“Research carries with it a responsibility to operate with integrity, to use resources wisely, and to ensure our pursuit of knowledge does not come at an unsustainable cost to the world around us. I warmly congratulate all the laboratory teams recognised today for their commitment to greener practices,” outlined Deputy Lawless.

In partnership with Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab, Research Ireland’s Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme was launched in October 2023, with the aim of bringing best-in-class, sustainable research practices into Irish research labs.

Marking what was a global first, Research Ireland became the first national research funding body in the world to spearhead a certification process in lab sustainability. 

Research Ireland-funded researchers were invited to participate, and the initiative generated significant interest nationwide.

James Connolly, CEO, My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, stated: “At My Green Lab, our mission is to foster a global culture of sustainability within the scientific community, transforming our industry into a world leader in environmental stewardship. This report reaffirms what we have long known: Irish academia continues to set a powerful example of what is possible when sustainability is prioritised in research and innovation,” he said.

“Everyone involved in this pilot project should be immensely proud of their achievements and the positive impact they have made within their institutions and beyond.”

At the end of 2024, Research Ireland commissioned an independent evaluation of the Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme to assess its effectiveness in meeting its sustainability goals and inform next steps for Research Ireland.

Dr Ciarán Seoighe, deputy CEO at Research Ireland commented: “Research Ireland wishes to congratulate and thank all those involved in the pilot. Not only have participants changed their research practices for the better, but, in turn, they have helped to shape Research Ireland’s approach going forward. The independent evaluation endorsed the pilot and has set out clear recommendations for next steps.”

Established in August 1, 2024, Research Ireland is Ireland’s new national competitive research and innovation funding agency, which amalgamates the activities and functions of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).