We live in a world where sustainability is a growing concern across the board, with people demanding more action and accountability from companies. To give you an idea, this demand has prompted 90% of companies listed on the S&P 500 to issue ESG reports. This means modern laboratory animal research facilities – and all businesses – need to be focusing on sustainable practices.
Before we get to the benefits of sustainable material handling practices, let’s note that the global pharmaceutical industry – which includes laboratory animal research and life sciences labs – produces 55% more greenhouse gas emissions than the automotive industry.
Besides helping our environment, sustainable material handling practices can benefit your laboratory animal research facility in many ways. Let’s discuss five of the biggest ones.
1. Reduced Environmental Footprint with Proper Waste Management
Laboratory animal research facilities and life sciences laboratories generate substantial waste, from animal bedding and chemical reagents to disposable consumables like gloves, syringes, and pipettes.
Between 2011 and 2021, academic labs in the US alone generated an average of 4,300 metric tons(t) of hazardous waste a year. More than half of the hazardous waste produced by these labs was burned, releasing poisonous carbon dioxide into the environment.
By adopting sustainable materials, such as recyclable plastics, biodegradable bedding, and energy-efficient consumables, your facility can reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.
For example, switching to bedding made from recycled paper or sustainably sourced wood shavings reduces waste and minimizes the use of natural resources. Similarly, using recyclable or compostable consumables can help lower the environmental impact of your daily operations.
2. Higher Ethical Standards and Animal Welfare
Sustainable material handling practices often align closely with the ethical treatment of animals, a core concern in laboratory animal research facilities. Using high-quality, sustainable bedding and feed improves the living conditions for animals, directly improving their welfare.
Likewise, energy-efficient environmental control systems ensure stable and comfortable conditions, reducing stress and promoting better health for research animals. These steps can help your facility comply with regulations established under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
When your research facility prioritizes sustainability and animal welfare, it strengthens your ethical stance, which can be a game-changer in maintaining public trust.
3. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Reduction
Laboratory animal research facilities operate under strict regulations concerning both animal welfare and environmental impact. For example, implementing sustainable waste management practices, primarily proper disposal of biological and chemical waste, can help your research facility comply with regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Additionally, using biodegradable and environmental-friendly materials can ease the burden of compliance in a world of increasingly strict regulations. This can help your facility stay ahead of legal requirements, avoiding the risk of steep penalties.
4. Long-Term Cost Savings Through Efficient Resource Management
Sustainable material handling practices can lead to long-term cost savings in laboratory animal research facilities and life sciences laboratories. Automation is critical in optimizing your energy, water, and other resources – which can do a lot to reduce your operational costs without compromising research quality.
For instance, recycling the water used for washing animal cages can significantly reduce consumption. On the other hand, automated solutions like our customized cage and rack washer system can help your lab consume 20% less steam and save up to 100% on cold water.
Likewise, energy-efficient HVAC systems and laboratory equipment reduce electricity usage, further cutting costs. ENERGY STAR-certified heating and cooling equipment can help your research facility save 10-30% on energy bills. These savings can be reinvested into research and development, helping your facility run more efficiently.
5. Better Reputation and Stakeholder Confidence
Today, most consumers – outside of regulatory agencies – recognize the importance of sustainability when choosing a business. Consumers and investors are attracted to brands and companies that invest heavily in sustainable business practices.
About half (50.1%) of all investors believe that strong ESG scores correlate with lower capital costs. In other words, showing your commitment to environmental responsibility and ethical research practices can help you attract new funding opportunities, not to mention build trust among your stakeholders and customers.
Automate Your Laboratory Animal Research Facility for Sustainable Practices
Sustainable material handling isn’t just a fancy term; it’s fast becoming a way of life for laboratory animal research facilities and life sciences labs. Besides showing your commitment to our environment and building trust with consumers, this approach will help you improve operational efficiency, comply with stringent regulations, and save money in the long run. But more importantly, it will position your facility as a leader in ethical and sustainable research.
BetterBuilt designs a wide range of energy-efficient solutions for laboratory animal research facilities and life science labs, ranging from automated bedding dispensers to glassware washers. We have been helping researchers stay ahead of the curve for over 70 years. Our automated solutions can strengthen your efforts to be more sustainable.`
To learn more about our products or place your order, please contact us online or call 888-553-0855.