Science plays a critical role in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, from developing new medicines to addressing climate change. However, the laboratories that drive scientific discovery can have a significant environmental impact.
This impact is becoming increasingly apparent as concerns over climate change and resource depletion grow. For instance, the World Resources Institute projects a 40% shortfall in global freshwater resources by 2030. As a result, the call for sustainable laboratory practices has never been more urgent.
Laboratories across all sectors should pivot towards more sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their impact on the environment. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several core areas that all laboratories can explore, including minimising energy consumption, water, and plastic use.
One way to do so is to look for carbon-conscious and eco-friendly devices that can support more sustainable laboratory practices. So, if your instruments are coming to the end of their life cycle, or if you are looking to expand your lab’s capacity, consider procuring devices that have a lower carbon footprint, higher energy efficiency rating, and, if appropriate, optimise water use.
Deeper sustainability: a new wave of water purification systems
As laboratories increasingly seek solutions that minimize their environmental impact, water purification has emerged as a critical focus area. Given the reliance on high-quality water purification for diverse applications such as solutions, bioprocessing, and cleaning, it is crucial to address sustainability concerns in this context. In response to this need, ELGA designed the next-generation water purification system, the PURELAB flex 3, with sustainability at its core. This system not only supports researchers in performing high-quality, science but also offers numerous sustainability benefits, including reduced energy consumption, lower water waste, and decreased carbon emissions:
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Lowered carbon footprint: By incorporating reclaimed and sustainably sourced materials, alongside greener manufacturing processes, the PURELAB flex 3 has significantly reduced embedded emissions. The PURELAB flex 3 will help laboratories meet their sustainability goals.
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Smart water management: The system is equipped with advanced technologies, including a new reverse osmosis module that delivers high-quality water while minimising water waste, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional purification methods.
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Empowering responsible energy consumption: The PURELAB flex 3 is not just about delivering high-quality water purification; it's about empowering users to make greener choices effortlessly. Features like the eco mode allow users to reduce energy consumption by up to 55% without affecting workflow.
While improving sustainability is key, it's vital that water purification systems do not compromise on performance and durability. The PURELAB flex 3 strikes this balance, prioritizing both sustainability and reliability. Its robust design and high-quality components ensure that the system maintains superior water purification performance, even after extended use. By investing in a water purification system that emphasizes longevity, laboratories can minimize the need for frequent replacements and contribute significantly to waste reduction. In this way, the PURELAB flex 3 demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a sustainable and high-performing water purification solution. By choosing products like the PURELAB flex 3, laboratories can take a significant step towards more sustainable practices, ensuring that they contribute to a greener future for scientific research and the planet at large.
Redefining excellence through sustainable innovation
The sustainability challenge facing laboratories won’t be easy to overcome, but by employing different mitigation strategies, facilities can minimise their environmental impact. Taking steps to reduce plastic waste, energy use, and water consumption enables more sustainable research and efficient, eco-friendly lab equipment helps support your sustainability strategy. As existing equipment approaches the end of its operational life, consider factors such as energy efficiency and carbon footprint when investing in new laboratory devices.
By choosing products like the PURELAB flex 3, laboratories can take a major step towards more sustainable practices, ensuring that they contribute to a greener future for science and the planet at large.
