The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched the Sustainable Science Initiative (SSI), a pioneering effort to implement eco-friendly practices in African scientific research. As the first academic institution on the continent to pursue My Green Lab Certification, IDM is setting a new benchmark in laboratory sustainability, aligning its efforts with global initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of research.
In collaboration with My Green Lab, a global nonprofit that champions sustainable research practices, IDM’s SSI seeks to minimize energy usage, waste, and overall environmental footprint across its operations. This certification, regarded as the leading standard for lab sustainability worldwide, has been earned by over 3,000 labs globally. IDM’s move signals a growing awareness within the scientific community about the role laboratories play in combating climate change.
The initiative comes at a crucial moment as the world grapples with climate and environmental challenges. Scientific labs are known for their high consumption of energy and water, as well as their substantial waste output. The SSI’s approach includes reducing IDM’s carbon footprint, integrating solar power, and meticulously tracking the environmental impact of its research.
IDM, which houses over 20 research groups and 56 laboratories across five buildings, expects the SSI will substantially reduce its environmental impact. The initiative is also designed to inspire other research institutions in Africa to adopt sustainable practices in science.
Jack O’Grady, Senior Program Manager at My Green Lab, applauded IDM’s groundbreaking leadership, saying, “IDM is the first academic research institution in South Africa – and across the African continent – to pursue My Green Lab Certification. Their commitment will inspire sustainable practices across the continent.”
Through the SSI, UCT’s IDM is championing a new era of environmental responsibility within the scientific sector, demonstrating how research institutions can integrate innovation and sustainability. This initiative positions IDM as a model for environmentally conscious scientific progress in Africa and beyond.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/Google
Comment