The Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD has announced 72 sustainable laboratory certifications to research spaces in 12 higher education institutions across Ireland, under a Research Ireland-led programme. TRANSLATE laboratories are proud to be named among the sustainable research spaces.
The certification is part of the Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme, launched in October 2023 by Research Ireland in partnership with Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab. The initiative aims to bring world-class, environmentally conscious research practices into Irish labs—promoting energy efficiency, safety, and waste reduction.
“In the laboratories we use for TRANSLATE, straightforward yet effective changes have been made to boost environmental sustainability,” said Justin D. Holmes, Professor of Nanochemistry at University College Cork and TRANSLATE Coordinator. “We have optimised fume hood use to save energy and improved inventory management to avoid over-purchasing supplies. These actions have decreased energy use and waste, while also enhancing safety and efficiency in our labs.”
Sustainability is a core principle of TRANSLATE—not only in lab practices but in the technology itself. The project focuses on using earth-abundant raw materials to capture low-grade waste heat (below 100°C) and convert it into storable electricity. This novel approach has the potential to radically improve the energy efficiency of everyday devices and systems while providing a new, zero-emission power source.
After discovering the My Green Lab programme online, Prof. Holmes nominated two of his research labs at University College Cork’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI) for the certification process. My Green Lab is an internationally recognised initiative supporting scientists in reducing their labs’ carbon footprints through practical, lasting improvements. With over 2,000 labs certified globally, it is considered the gold standard in lab sustainability.
Read the full press release here.
