Lab Innovations 2019: Sustainability in the lab

Lab Innovations, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to the laboratory industry, is showcasing at Birmingham’s NEC, on 30th and 31st October. Following from the success of the event last year, this year’s show is driving sustainability in the laboratory. The show has a wealth of options to help visitors future-proof their laboratories – from innovative products, to waste reduction and sustainability.

This focus is reflected in many of Lab Innovations’ key areas, including the Sustainable Laboratory zone, the Royal Society of Chemistry, Insights & Innovation and Live Lab theatres, as well as on the stands of numerous scientific exhibitors.

Research lab buildings can account for up to 70% of some universities’ carbon emissions, consume 10 times more energy and at least four times more water [per unit area] than office spaces. So it is no surprise that the Sustainable Laboratory zone – developed by Green Light Laboratories – returns after highly positive feedback from last year’s exhibition.

“The best attribute of the show was definitely being able to talk with many manufacturers in one place. What was particularly interesting were the companies who were new to me and discovering what they had to offer for a sustainable user-friendly laboratory.” Alison Lees, College Laboratory Manager, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham.

The Sustainable Laboratory zone has increased in size for Lab Innovations 2019, showcasing to even more visitors how small improvements in technology, procurement and best practice can reduce running costs, and make funding go further. Attendees will see how Green Light Laboratories has worked with leading UK universities and institutions, helping them to increase their use of ‘green’ equipment and processes and achieve sustainable results.

“Sustainability is the future for how we select, buy and use our lab equipment. We are excited to showcase how sustainability is saving labs thousands of pounds and safeguarding UK science, and I will be highlighting the latest innovations in lab products, as well as how lab practices and procurement can become more sustainable.” Andy Evans, Green Light Laboratories.

With over 160 exhibiting suppliers and manufacturers, visiting Lab Innovations is the ideal way to gain insight into the future of laboratories. Just a few examples of green lab equipment on show on exhibitor stands include: freezers in the SLS Pavilion; chillers from Julabo; microwave sterilisation technology from GPE Scientific; refrigeration and safety cabinets from Haier Biomedical; GuardOne^® workstation from STARLAB.

Some exhibitors are also adopting a sustainable approach to their exhibition stands to minimise environmental impact and waste generation. For example, high precision thermoregulation specialists Huber are recycling some old laboratory frameworks to build their stand.