Almost 90% of the University of Strathclyde's scientific research is rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”, according to Times Higher Education’s analysis of REF2021.
Laboratory-based research, however, is extremely energy, water, and resource-intensive. Strathclyde laboratories contribute to the top ten of the University’s sources of embedded carbon, with laboratory supplies and laboratory consumables being the fourth highest source of supply chain-emissions.
Strathclyde laboratories are responsible for 19% of the University’s total carbon emissions. Our Sustainable Labs Managers engage with staff and students to create greener and safer laboratories. An all-inclusive approach encompassing operational, educational and behaviour change routes has been taken.
Strathclyde Laboratory Carbon Emissions
The total carbon emissions from Strathclyde laboratories (NMIS, CEE, EEE, Physics, PAC, SIPBS and TIC) amounts to 17625,80 tonnes (where supply chain is included), this is 19% of the total University carbon emissions (92584.06 tonnes) (figure 1). When supply chains are excluded (figure 2), total laboratory carbon emissions amounts to 7% of total university emissions where electricity contributes to just under half of laboratory carbon emissions (46.9%) followed by heat (25%). SIPBS, Physics and PAC are the top three carbon emitters (Figure 2) with SIPBS being the largest, contributing 34% to the total of laboratory emissions.