Sustainability actions

Our Commitment

At the Sheffield Hearing Research group, our pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We are actively transforming our laboratory operations through a sustainable approach to research. By optimizing energy use, minimizing chemical and plastic waste, and implementing sustainable practices, our world-class research demonstrate that pioneering scientific excellence and environmental sustainability are fully compatible goals.

Some of the main actions taken

Energy Reduction

Laboratory equipment is highly resource-intensive, contributing substantially to a facility's total energy consumption and carbon emissions. This footprint is primarily driven by high-performance computers, specialized instrumentation, and ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezers that must run continuously. We reduce this footprint by implementing straightforward, actionable steps, including:

• Transitioning ULT freezers from -80°C to -70°C: this single adjustment reduces energy consumption by about 28% (University of Edinburgh study)
• Adjusting standard freezers from -20°C to -18°C: this saves roughly 4% energy consumption per freezer where sample types allow. 
• Limit door opening: we map freezer contents and clearly label all items to reduce the time doors remain open.
• Utilizing visual reminders: we use posters and stickers to remind team members to turn off equipment and lights when not in use.
• Managing workstations: we ensure computers and monitors are not left running overnight.
• Maximizing equipment efficiency: we share hardware and utilize booking systems to optimize usage.
• Maintaining infrastructure: we schedule routine cleaning and maintenance of all laboratory equipment to ensure optimal operating efficiency.

Waste & Recycling

A major portion of a laboratory’s environmental footprint lies within its supply chain and waste management, with the procurement and disposal of single-use consumables driving significant indirect carbon emissions. We directly tackle this challenge by implementing strategies to lower the lifecycle carbon footprint of our research, including:

• Replacing single-use plastics: we substitute plastic items (e.g., Falcon tubes, stripettes, and plastic Pasteur pipettes) with reusable small glass bottles, Class A glass volumetric flasks, graduated cylinders, and glass Pasteur pipettes.
• Optimizing experimental protocols: we design procedures specifically to minimize plastic usage.
• Maximizing material lifecycles: when plastic items are necessary, we maximize their utility and reuse them whenever safely possible.
• Prioritizing green procurement: we purposefully select companies and products with verified ecological labels.
• Participating in circular economies: we actively adopt manufacturer take-back schemes for consumables.
• Conducting waste audits: we routinely monitor waste generation to identify areas for further reduction.
• Consolidating logistics: we order materials in bulk for the entire research group to significantly reduce transport packaging and shipping emissions.

For our work, we have been awarded bronze and silver LEAF accreditation: