Sustainability FAQ

The 12 principles of green chemistry are a set of guidelines established to promote the design and development of chemical products and processes that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. These principles focus on minimizing waste, using safer chemicals, and maximizing efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of chemical manufacturing.

Concretely, the 12 principles of green chemistry, formulated by Anastas and Warner entail the following:
Prevention / Atom Economy / Less Hazardous Synthesis / Designing Safer Chemicals / Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries / Design for Energy Efficiency / Use of Renewable Feedstocks / Reduce Derivatives / Catalysis / Design for Degradation / Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention / Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention

The 6R are a concept that should enable to conceptualize more sustainable action. Specifically, the 6R entail the following:

Reduce: Minimizing consumption and waste generation at the source. (E.g., using less tubes, when solvents can be combined or using smaller tubes)

Reuse: Extending the lifespan of products or materials by using them multiple times. (E.g., reusing pipette tips where contamination or carry-over is not possible)

Recycle: Processing materials into new products to reduce waste. (E.g., separating paper and plastic waste in packaging to enable their processing into new products).

Rethink: Encouraging a shift in mindset to prioritize sustainability and reconsider consumption habits. (E.g., rearranging experimental groups to reduce sample size but increase statistical power).

Reject: Avoiding or refusing unnecessary or unsustainable products or practices. (E.g., deciding to use less hazardous chemicals for experiments instead of following common laboratory practices).

Repair: Extending the life of products by fixing or maintaining them, reducing the need for replacements. (E.g., repairing and re-calibrating old pipettes and pipette helper instead of buying anew).

"Biodegradable" refers to the ability of a material or substance to break down naturally into simpler components, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, through the action of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms. This breakdown process occurs over a reasonably short period, returning the material back to nature without leaving persistent residues or causing harm to the environment.

It's important to note that while the term "biodegradable" implies that a substance can decompose in a natural environment, the rate and conditions required for biodegradation can vary significantly depending on the specific material, environmental factors like temperature, moisture, and oxygen availability, as well as the presence of the necessary microorganisms. Keep in mind, bioplastic and biodegradable are two different terms.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life, encompassing all living organisms, their interactions, and the ecosystems in which they exist. It includes diversity at different levels, such as genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Alpha Biodiversity: Refers to biodiversity of a single sample or within a local ecosystem level.

Beta Biodiversity: Concerns the diversity between two communities or ecosystems, comparing those.

Gamma Biodiversity: Focuses on the comparison of multiple or many ecosystems.

Carbon capture technology involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions produced by industrial processes or power generation facilities before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is then transported, stored, or utilized to prevent its release into the air, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.

Carbon credits represent a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder to emit a specified amount of carbon dioxide or its equivalent. They are used in emissions trading schemes to incentivize emission reduction activities and promote sustainability.

Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other carbon-based greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and transportation. These emissions contribute to global warming and climate change by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Carbon equivalents are a measure used to express the impact of various greenhouse gases in terms of their equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emissions. It helps in comparing the global warming potential of different gases on a common scale. However, other potential important measures such as toxicity for ecosystems or propensity of break down (e.g. in terms of plastics) have to be considered separately..

The carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other emissions (often translated into CO₂ equivalents) generated directly or indirectly by human activities, products, or services. It's a crucial metric used to assess and understand the environmental impact of various processes or entities. While often used as a general term, it typically focuses on quantifying emissions from energy use, transportation, and manufacturing. However, it doesn't always consider specific breakdowns of emissions from materials like plastics or their ecological toxicity.

Being carbon neutral means achieving a balance between the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere. This balance is typically achieved by reducing emissions wherever possible and compensating for any remaining emissions by investing in projects that remove carbon dioxide, such as afforestation, reforestation, or carbon capture technologies.

Carbon neutral products are goods or services whose entire life cycle, from production to disposal, results in net-zero carbon emissions. Companies achieve carbon neutrality for their products by minimizing emissions during production, utilizing renewable energy sources, and offsetting any remaining emissions through carbon offset projects.

Carbon offsetting involves compensating for carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. These projects can include forest conservation, renewable energy initiatives, methane capture from landfills, or reforestation efforts, effectively balancing out the emissions generated elsewhere. In general, carbon reduction is the preferred was whereas compensation should be limited to the absolute minimum, e.g. emissions which can not be avoided like necessary flights.

A carbon tax is a fee imposed on the carbon content of fuels or on carbon dioxide emissions. The tax aims to internalize the cost of carbon emissions, incentivize emission reduction, and promote the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

Carbon tracing involves tracking and documenting the carbon footprint or emissions associated with a product, service, or process throughout its life cycle. It helps identify sources of emissions and opportunities for reduction or mitigation.

CFCs are a group of synthetic compounds composed of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. Previously used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants, CFCs were phased out due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer, leading to the development of the Montreal Protocol to regulate their production and use. They were replaced by hydrofluorocarbons which are now phased out due to their high global warming potentials.

The circular economy is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible. It involves practices such as recycling, reusing, repairing, and remanufacturing to create closed-loop systems, reducing the reliance on finite resources and minimizing environmental impact.

Climate change refers to significant and long-term alterations in global or regional climate patterns, primarily due to human-induced factors like increased greenhouse gas emissions. These changes can result in rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and disruption to ecosystems, posing significant challenges to human societies and the environment.

When assessing the Cradle-to-gate step, this process covers a defined, limited product life cycle in contrast to the full cradle-to-grave process. That means, CtG starts at resource extraction (cradle) and covers all steps towards the factory gate. Transportation to the user, the use phase, and the disposal phase of the specific product are excluded in this calculation.

The Cradle-to-grave process covers the full Life Cycle Assessment. This starts at resource extraction ('cradle'), covers the production, the final use phase, and ends including the disposal phase ('grave').

Decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from various sectors such as energy production, transportation, industry, and buildings. It involves transitioning away from fossil fuel-based sources to low-carbon or carbon-free alternatives, aiming to mitigate climate change and achieve a more sustainable future.

Downcycling is the process of converting materials into lower-value products or materials with reduced quality or functionality compared to the original. It typically results in a loss of quality and value in the material, making it less desirable for recycling or further use. For example, single-use plastic containers or petri dishes made of specific plastics may be recycled into lower-grade plastic materials like park benches, bins, or even insulation materials, which do not require the same purity or characteristics as lab-grade plastics.

EHS, or Environment Health Safety, refers to the practices, policies, and regulations aimed at protecting the environment, ensuring workplace safety, and safeguarding the health of individuals within a workplace or community.

Embodied carbon refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted throughout the entire life cycle of a product, service, or infrastructure. It includes emissions from raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, construction, use, maintenance, and disposal.

In chemistry, environmental impact refers to the effects of chemicals or substances on the environment. This includes their potential to cause harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health through pollution, contamination, or ecological disruption. More precise, impact on ozone depletion, smog formation, acidification, global warming, eutrophication, human toxicity by ingestion or inhalation as well as freshwater ecotoxicity might be considered. Environmental impact assessments aim to understand and mitigate these effects through regulatory measures or environmentally friendly alternatives.

F-gases, or fluorinated gases, encompass a group of synthetic gases like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These gases are potent greenhouse gases used in various applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and manufacturing. They contribute significantly to global warming due to their high global warming potential and long atmospheric lifetimes. The EU has started a regulation in 2014 to cut down F-gases by 60% until 2030 (EU 517/2014). As one of the results, new ULT freezers are primarily driven by hydrocarbons.

Fluid retention describes remaining liquids, for example, in pipette tips after pipetting. These drops can pose a significant for contamination when reusing but also for recycling materials.

Geothermal power harnesses the heat from the Earth's core to generate electricity or heat buildings. It involves tapping into natural reservoirs of warm or hot water and steam underground to drive turbines connected to generators. This renewable energy source produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions and provides a consistent and reliable source of power.

Global Warming Potential is a measure used to assess the impact of various greenhouse gases on global warming over a specific time frame (in general 100 years) compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂). It quantifies the relative ability of different gases to trap heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. For example, the commonly used cooling liquid R134a has a GWP of 1,430. This means, that 100 g of this substance are equivalent to 143 kg of CO₂ if the R134a leaks into the atmosphere.

Grassroots initiatives are bottom-up movements or projects that emerge from local communities or individuals to address social, environmental, or political issues. These initiatives typically start at the local level and involve community-driven efforts aimed at creating positive change and raising awareness about specific causes or concerns.

Green chemistry refers to the design, development, and implementation of chemical products and processes that minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances. It aims to promote environmentally friendly practices by reducing pollution, conserving resources, and enhancing the sustainability of the chemical industry.

'Green' cooling gases refer to natural refrigerants or hydrocarbons like ammonia, propane, and isobutane used as alternatives to synthetic refrigerants with high global warming potential. These substances have lower environmental impact, being non-ozone depleting and having minimal global warming potential.

Green electric energy refers to electricity generated from renewable and sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, or biomass. This type of energy production aims to minimize environmental impact by harnessing natural resources that are abundant and replenishable, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

A Green Officer or Sustainability Officer is an individual within an organization responsible for overseeing and implementing sustainable practices and initiatives. They develop and manage strategies to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Hydrofluorocarbons have been used as cooling liquids like R508B or R134a in different instruments with active cooling. Due to their high global warming potential, they are in progress to be phased out in Europe based on the F-gas regulation EU 517/2014.

Hydrocarbons like R170 or R290 have a very low global warming potential (similar or slightly higher than CO2). They are the substances of choice for instruments with active cooling.

Incineration is a waste treatment process that involves burning waste materials at high temperatures to reduce their volume and convert them into ash, gas, and heat. While it can generate energy, incineration also produces air pollutants and ash residue, necessitating strict pollution control measures. Laboratory waste is quite often incinerated due to contamination risks.

A landfill is a designated area for the disposal of waste materials by burying them in the ground. Landfills pose environmental challenges due to the release of greenhouse gases, leachate contamination, and potential soil and water pollution, necessitating proper management and monitoring. More and more countries try to reduce the amount of landfill waste but to recycle and to incinerate the waste.

Life Cycle Analysis is a method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction, production, distribution, use, and disposal. LCA considers energy consumption, resource use, emissions, and waste generation to identify opportunities for environmental improvement.

The ozone layer is a protective layer mainly composed of ozone (O3) in the Earth's stratosphere that shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. The depletion of the ozone layer was primarily caused by the release of certain synthetic chemicals, particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These substances were commonly used in aerosol sprays, refrigerants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents and their chlorine and bromine atoms catalytically destroy ozone molecules, leading to the thinning of the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a landmark international agreement aimed at phasing out the production and use of ODS.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a group of highly toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in living organisms (especially in fatty tissues), and pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems. These pollutants resist degradation and can travel long distances through air, water, and migratory species. POPs include a range of chemicals, such as certain pesticides (e.g., DDT), industrial chemicals (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls - PCBs), and unintentionally produced substances (e.g., dioxins and furans). Due to their adverse effects on health and the environment, global efforts like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants have been established to regulate and phase out the production and use of these hazardous substances.

Plastics are synthetic polymers made from various organic and inorganic compounds. They are versatile materials widely used in manufacturing due to their durability, lightweight nature, and ability to be molded into various shapes for different purposes.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET):
PET is formed from repeating units of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Ethylene glycol is a diol compound (HO-CH2-CH2-OH), while terephthalic acid contains aromatic rings.PET's molecular structure provides it with excellent strength, clarity, and barrier properties, making it suitable for beverage bottles, food packaging, and synthetic fibers in textiles. Found in the laboratory in: Transparent Medium BottlesRecycling symbol: #1

Polyethylene (PE):
PE consists of repeating ethylene units (CH2=CH2). The difference between HDPE and LDPE lies in their molecular structure and density. HDPE is used in bottles, containers, pipes, and toys due to its toughness and resistance to chemicals. LDPE, with its flexibility and moisture resistance, is used in packaging films and coatings. - Found in the laboratory in: Opaque bottles and hazardous waste bags (HDPE) or Squeeze bottles and bin liners (LDPE)Recycling symbol for HDPE: #2, LDPE: #4
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC):
PVC consists of repeating vinyl chloride units (CH2=CHCl). It can exist in different forms, including rigid and flexible varieties, and additives may be incorporated to modify its properties. PVC's versatility allows its use in pipes, window frames, flooring, medical devices, and packaging, where its durability and adaptability to different applications are advantageous.Found in the laboratory in: Fluid bas and Medical tubingsRecycling symbol: #3Polypropylene (PP):
PP is a thermoplastic polymer composed of propylene monomers (CH3-CH=CH2). Its repeating units create a linear chain structure.PP's chemical structure provides it with resilience, flexibility, heat resistance, and chemical inertness, making it ideal for a wide range of applications like packaging, automotive parts, textiles, and household goods.Found in the laboratory in: Pipette tips, Centrifuge tubes, pipette boxesRecycling symbol: #5Polystyrene (PS):
PS is derived from styrene monomers (C6H5CH=CH2), which form a linear polymer chain. PS is employed in various forms like solid PS (used in packaging) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, known for its lightweight, insulation properties, and impact resistance in applications such as packaging and insulation materials.Found in the laboratory in: Cell culture dishes, cell culture flasksRecycling symbol: #6Please note that articles might contain numerous plastic types (such as tip boxes also contain polycarbonate for certain parts) and sometimes other additives that improve functionality. The symbol for other plastics is: #7. Please keep in mind, the numerical symbol differentiate the type of plastics, they do not indicate any recycling quality or range.

Primary Recycling: Primary recycling involves reprocessing materials (such as clean paper or glass) into the same product or material without significant degradation. Secondary Recycling: Secondary recycling converts materials into different products or materials of lower quality, like turning plastic bottles into polyester fiber for clothing. (“downcycling”) Tertiary Recycling: Tertiary recycling employs advanced technologies to break down materials into basic components for reuse or remanufacturing, such as breaking down plastics into monomers for new plastics. It should be noted that recycling faces difficulties due to factors like contamination, inadequate collection systems, high processing costs, and limited market demand for recycled materials. Contamination, in particular, lowers the quality of recyclables and makes them more challenging to process effectively.

Refrigerants like R170 (ethane), R290 (propane), R408, R508B, and R134a are chemical substances used in cooling systems and refrigeration equipment. These refrigerants have varying environmental impacts, with some, like R290 and R170, being hydrocarbons with low global warming potential, contributing less to climate change compared to others. Efforts to phase out high-GWP refrigerants like R408 and R508B aim to transition towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Renewable power refers to energy generated from sources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight (solar), wind, water (hydroelectric), geothermal heat, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable power sources are sustainable and have minimal environmental impact, contributing to a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.

"Shut the sash" is a phrase commonly used in laboratory settings that encourages researchers or lab personnel to close the sash of a fume hood when it is not in use. This practice helps minimize the escape of harmful fumes or gases, reducing energy consumption and promoting safety in laboratories.

Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 suppliers are terms used in the context of supply chain management to define the relationships and levels of suppliers within a supply chain network. For example, to your laboratory, Eppendorf is a Tier 1 Supplier, while they get parts for their products from a Tier 2 supplier and those get the raw materials from a Tier 3 supplier.Tier 1 Supplier: These are direct suppliers that provide goods such as machines. They have a direct contractual relationship with the company at the top of the supply chain. Tier 2 Supplier: These suppliers provide components, materials, or services to Tier 1 suppliers rather than to the company directly. They are considered secondary suppliers but are crucial to the production process as they contribute specific parts or materials necessary for the manufacturing of the final product. Tier 3 Supplier: These suppliers provide goods and services to Tier 2 suppliers. They are further down the supply chain and may offer often raw materials, but also smaller components, or specialized services necessary for the production of parts supplied by Tier 2 suppliers. In certain cases, if your laboratory is producing a machine, it might also be labeled an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

The supply chain encompasses the entire process from raw material acquisition to the end consumer. It's crucial as it includes Scope 3 emissions, which account for indirect emissions such as those from purchased goods, transportation, and waste disposal. These emissions can be substantial and are increasingly important in assessing an organization's overall carbon footprint and environmental impact.

A sustainability report is a document published by organizations detailing their economic, environmental, and social performance. It highlights their commitment to sustainable practices, disclosing their impacts, initiatives, and progress toward achieving sustainability goals. The report should be based on internationally accepted standards like GRI or CSRD.

Sustainable procurement involves considering environmental, social, and economic factors when purchasing goods and services. Given the significant impact of supply chain emissions, sustainable procurement becomes essential. It focuses on selecting suppliers and products that minimize environmental harm, reduce carbon footprints, and promote social responsibility throughout the supply chain.

A thermal power station is a facility that generates electricity by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas to produce heat. This heat is used to convert water into steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, producing electrical power. However, these stations are often associated with significant carbon emissions and environmental impacts due to the combustion of fossil fuels.

Upcycling involves transforming waste materials or products into new materials or products of higher value or quality. Unlike downcycling, upcycling aims to enhance the value and usefulness of the original material, reducing waste and environmental impact. For instance, repurposing an old wooden ladder into a stylish bookshelf would be an example of upcycling. However, possibilities are rare.

Waste management involves the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials. It encompasses strategies and practices to handle waste in an environmentally responsible manner, aiming to reduce environmental pollution and optimize resource recovery.

Waste separation is the practice of sorting and segregating different types of waste materials into specific categories (such as recyclables, organic waste, hazardous waste) to facilitate recycling, proper treatment, and disposal methods.

The Aarhus Convention is an international agreement ensuring access to information, public participation, and access to justice in environmental matters to promote transparency and accountability.
Applicable in: European countries and beyond, promoting environmental transparency and public engagement

The Basel Convention is an international treaty established to regulate the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and control its disposal. It aims to minimize the generation of hazardous waste, manage its environmentally sound disposal, and prevent its illegal trafficking. The convention promotes cooperation among countries to ensure proper waste management practices and protect human health and the environment.

CDP is a global non-profit organization that operates a disclosure system allowing companies, cities, states, and regions to measure and disclose their environmental impact, specifically related to carbon emissions, water usage, and deforestation. CDP collects this data and shares it with investors, policymakers, and the public to drive environmental action and encourage transparency in corporate sustainability efforts. It assists organizations in assessing risks, identifying opportunities for improvement, and enhancing their environmental performance by benchmarking against industry peers.

CERCLA, also known as Superfund, is a United States federal law enacted in 1980 to address hazardous waste sites and respond to releases of hazardous substances into the environment. It provides a framework for identifying and cleaning up contaminated sites, assigning liability for cleanup costs, and establishing a process for emergency response to environmental hazards. CERCLA enables the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to manage and fund the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, holding responsible parties accountable for the costs associated with environmental remediation.Applicable in: The United States, regulating the cleanup of hazardous waste sites.

The Clean Water Act is a major federal law in the United States that regulates and aims to protect the nation's waters from pollution. Enacted in 1972, it establishes standards for water quality, regulates discharges of pollutants into navigable waters, sets effluent limits for industries and municipalities, and provides funding for wastewater treatment facilities. The Act aims to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters to support aquatic life, recreational activities, and drinking water sources.Applicable in: The United States, governing water quality and pollution control measures.

A Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines or principles that outline expected behaviors, ethical standards, and responsibilities for individuals or organizations. In a business context, a Code of Conduct typically delineates acceptable behaviors, compliance with laws and regulations, respect for diversity, honesty, integrity, and commitment to ethical business practices. It serves as a framework for guiding decision-making and ensuring ethical behavior within an organization.

The Ecodesign Directive is an EU initiative that establishes requirements for the environmental performance of energy-related products to promote energy efficiency. Applicable in: European Union member countries, governing the design and energy efficiency standards of various products.

The Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) in Germany and similar regulations in other countries establish requirements for the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of electrical and electronic.

An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a market-based approach used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting a limit on total emissions and allowing entities to buy and sell emission allowances or credits. Companies exceeding their allocated emissions can purchase credits from those with surplus allowances, incentivizing emission reduction efforts and promoting a cost-effective way to achieve environmental targets.

The Energy Efficiency Directive is an EU directive that aims to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption across various sectors. Applicable in: European Union member countries, guiding energy efficiency measures.

EIA involves evaluating the potential environmental consequences of proposed projects or developments before they are carried out.Applicable in: Various countries and regions worldwide, often a legal requirement for development projects.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2012/19/EU is a European Union regulation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of electrical and electronic waste. It establishes requirements for the collection, treatment, recycling, and proper disposal of such waste to minimize its negative effects on the environment and human health. The directive encourages the recovery of valuable resources and the safe handling of hazardous substances contained in electronic devices.

The European Green Deal is a plan introduced by the European Commission, announced in December 2019, it serves as the EU's roadmap to achieve climate neutrality and promote sustainable growth and development by decoupling economic growth from resource use across Europe by 2050. The EU Regulation 2020/852 is part of the European Green Deal and refers to the EU's initiative to establish basis for the EU taxonomy with 4 overarching conditions that economic activities have to meet to qualify as environmentally sustainable.

The ISO 14000 series comprises a set of international standards focusing on environmental management systems. ISO 14001 is a specific standard within this series that provides guidelines for organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an environmental management system. It helps companies identify, manage, and reduce their environmental impacts by setting objectives, implementing policies, conducting regular audits, and complying with relevant environmental regulations.

The ISO 9000 series and ISO 9001 in particular are international standards that outline requirements for quality management systems (QMS) in organizations. They provide a framework for businesses to establish and maintain processes that ensure products and services consistently meet customers' and regulatory requirements. ISO 9001 certification signifies an organization's commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and effective management practices.

The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty aimed at combating global climate change. It was adopted in 1997 as an extension of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol sets binding obligations for developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. It established legally binding emission reduction targets for participating countries over specific commitment periods. Applicable in: Various countries globally, particularly developed nations, though its commitments have evolved beyond the initial agreement.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty aimed at phasing out the production and use of substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. Applicable in: Globally, as a universally ratified agreement to protect the ozone layer.

NEPA is a U.S. environmental law that mandates federal agencies to consider environmental effects and community impacts in their decision-making processes for major projects.Applicable in: The United States, influencing federal projects and policies related to the environment.

National Greenhouse Gas Inventories are reports detailing a country's total greenhouse gas emissions, helping track and manage emissions to mitigate climate change.Applicable in: Various countries worldwide, as part of international climate change monitoring and reporting obligations.

The 2015 Paris Agreement, a landmark international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aims to address global climate change by setting ambitious goals. Its core objectives include limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) where each participating country outlines its emission reduction targets. It emphasizes peaking global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible and achieving a balance between emission sources and sinks in the latter half of the century.Applicable in: Globally, with nearly all countries as signatories to the agreement.

The Polluter Pays Principle dictates that the party responsible for producing pollution should bear the costs associated with managing and mitigating that pollution.Applicable in: Widely accepted as a guiding principle in environmental policies worldwide.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation governing the production and use of chemicals, emphasizing their safe use and promoting alternatives to hazardous substances.Applicable in: European Union member countries, regulating chemicals' manufacturing, import, and use.

Renewable Portfolio Standards are policies implemented by governments (state or national) to mandate or encourage the use of renewable energy sources for electricity generation. RPS sets specific targets or percentages of electricity that must be generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydroelectric power. These standards aim to diversify energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the growth of renewable energy industries, and increase energy independence.Applicable in: Various countries and states/provinces, each with its own RPS regulations.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is a U.S. federal law governing the management and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste. RCRA establishes a framework for waste management practices, including waste generation, storage, transportation, treatment, and disposal. It aims to protect human health and the environment by minimizing waste generation, promoting recycling, and ensuring safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive is an EU regulation that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in products to reduce environmental and health risks associated with their disposal and use.

The Stockholm Convention aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants, hazardous chemicals that persist in the environment and pose risks to human health and ecosystems.Applicable in: Globally, as a treaty addressing the production and use of specific hazardous chemicals.

Supply Chain Duty of Care Law pertains to legal frameworks that hold companies accountable for ethical and responsible practices throughout their supply chains, ensuring worker rights and environmental protections.Applicable in: : Various countries worldwide, often seen in developed nations like the United States, European Union, and others with robust corporate governance regulations.

The United Nations has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. Important especially for the impact science might have on the environment are:6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.14. Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss.

The Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities is a framework used to classify economic activities based on their sustainability characteristics. It helps investors, businesses, and policymakers identify which activities are environmentally sustainable by providing a standardized system for assessing the environmental impact of economic activities. The taxonomy typically includes criteria related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and other environmental objectives. It aims to guide investment toward environmentally sustainable activities and supports the transition to a more sustainable economy.Applicable in: Primarily within the European Union as part of efforts to align financial investments with sustainable objectives.

The Toxic Substances Control Act is a U.S. federal law that regulates the manufacture, use, importation, processing, distribution, and disposal of chemicals and substances posing risks to human health and the environment. TSCA empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess and regulate chemicals to ensure their safe use and minimize potential hazards to public health and the environment.

The Triple Bottom Line approach evaluates business performance based on three pillars: social, environmental, and economic factors, aiming for sustainable development.Applicable in: Widely adopted globally, especially in corporate sustainability strategies and reporting frameworks.

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aiming to limit global warming and mitigate climate change impacts by setting emission reduction targets.Applicable in: Globally, as it involves commitments from almost all countries worldwide.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides a framework for sustainability reporting, outlining guidelines for organizations to report on their environmental, social, and governance impacts.Applicable in: A global framework widely used by companies and organizations worldwide for reporting sustainability metrics and performance.

The MyGreenLab ACT (Accountability, Consistency, Transparency) label is a certification program for laboratory products that meet specific sustainability criteria. It verifies that products have undergone rigorous assessment based on environmental impact, energy efficiency, resource conservation, and adherence to sustainable practices, providing laboratories with a transparent way to identify and choose environmentally responsible products

B Corp Certification is awarded to for-profit companies meeting rigorous social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency standards set by the non-profit organization B Lab. Certified B Corporations commit to balancing profit and purpose by considering the impact of their business decisions on workers, communities, customers, and the environment. The certification signals a company's dedication to using business as a force for good.

The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ program evaluates products based on their environmental and social performance throughout their entire life cycle. Developed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, this certification assesses factors such as material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. Products meeting the criteria are awarded certification, indicating their adherence to sustainable design principles and commitment to circular economy practices.

Energy Star Certification is a voluntary program initiated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It aims to recognize and promote energy-efficient products, buildings, and practices that meet specific energy efficiency standards. Products and buildings with Energy Star Certification typically consume less energy than standard counterparts, reducing utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental sustainability.

Green Seal Certification is an independent, third-party certification program in the United States that verifies and recognizes environmentally responsible products and services. It evaluates products based on rigorous standards for environmental performance, health considerations, and sustainability criteria. Products meeting Green Seal Certification demonstrate reduced environmental impact, healthier attributes, and sustainability across various industries.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification is a globally recognized rating system for green buildings and sustainable construction. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it assesses buildings' design, construction, operation, and maintenance based on factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, sustainable materials, and innovation. LEED Certification promotes environmentally responsible, resource?efficient, and healthy buildings.

SITES Certification is a program that evaluates and certifies landscape design, construction, and maintenance practices based on sustainability principles. Developed by the Sustainable Sites Initiative, it assesses projects' ecological benefits, water conservation, biodiversity, soil health, and human well-being. SITES Certification encourages landscape architects and designers to create environmentally responsible and resilient landscapes that promote sustainability and enhance ecosystems.

Zero Waste Certification verifies an organization's commitment to diverting as much waste as possible from landfills and incineration, focusing on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Certified entities aim to minimize waste generation by implementing efficient resource management strategies and circular economy principles, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation.

The DOZN™ tool is an innovative quantitative tool aiming to compare the environmental friendliness of similar chemicals, synthetic pathways, and chemical processes. It utilizes the 12 principles of green chemistry, condensing them into three main categories: optimizing resource utilization, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing human and environmental risks.

EGNATON is a European network of professionals and organizations dedicated to promoting sustainable and energy-efficient laboratory design and operation. It focuses on sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions to improve the environmental performance of laboratories while ensuring safety and functionality.

This project focuses on sustainable computational science practices. It offers a collection of tools and resources for researchersto gauge the carbon footprint of their projects. This includes calculators designed to estimate environmental impacts, alongside guidance on adopting eco-friendly practices, training materials, access to previous discussions, and related informative sessions. The primary goal is to empower researchers to make informed decisions and integrate sustainable approaches into their computational work for a more environmentally conscious scientific community.

Artificial or cultured meat, also known as lab-grown or cultivated meat, is produced by using cell cultures to grow animal muscle tissue in a laboratory setting. It offers an alternative to traditional animal agriculture by creating meat products without the need for raising and slaughtering animals, aiming to reduce the environmental impact, land use, and ethical concerns associated with conventional meat production.

While using recycled materials in products offers numerous environmental benefits, the need for high quality and reliable laboratory equipment poses several challenges.

Recycled materials may vary in quality, purity, and composition because chemical properties of once used materials does not equal their virgin counterparts (e.g., chain lengths of plastic polymers). Inconsistencies in these aspects can make it challenging to guarantee the uniformity and reliability of the end product. Reduced strength, durability, or resistance to wear and tear are concerns for many manufactures. Another example is transparency, since recycled materials are often less transparent, observing color changes or properties of samples becomes challenging. Another major reason is that recycling materials can incur higher costs due to the collection, sorting, cleaning, and processing needed to meet quality standards and avoid contamination. Finally, in some cases, technologies are not yet advanced enough to efficiently separate components and are-synthesize those into reusable materials.

Given the missing trust of many scientists, and the making changes to use recycling products only for certain processes requires a big commitment, demand is often limited and thereby making manufacturing less feasible.