The Science Industry and Climate Change: A Personal Perspective

Inspired by British Scince Week. British, a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths that takes place between 7-16 March 2025! https://www.britishscienceweek.org/

As a scientist working in a laboratory, I am acutely aware of the contradictions in my daily work. On one hand, science is at the heart of solving the climate crisis from direct impacts such as developing renewable energy, carbon capture technologies, and sustainable materials. On the other, laboratories are among the most energy-intensive workplaces, consuming vast amounts of resources and generating an alarming amount of waste. As both a scientist and an environmentalist, I often struggle to reconcile the necessity of our work with the impact it has on the planet.

This British Science Week 2025, as we celebrate innovation and discovery, it’s important to reflect on the environmental cost of scientific progress and how we can make laboratories part of the solution rather than the problem.

The Environmental Footprint of Science

Scientific research is energy intensive. Laboratories consume three to ten times more energy per square meter than typical office spaces, driven by the need for refrigeration, fume hoods, sterilisation, and continuous equipment operation. I see this firsthand every day in my role at a microbiology Contract Research Organisation – rows of machines running non-stop, fume hoods that must stay on, and freezers that keep vital samples at ultra-low temperatures but guzzle electricity in the process.

Then there’s the waste. Single-use plastics are everywhere – pipette tips, Petri dishes, gloves, tubes – discarded after just one use. While safety and contamination concerns justify many of these practices, it’s difficult not to feel conflicted when I empty yet another overflowing bin of plastic waste knowing that it will likely end up in landfill or incineration.

In the UK, the life sciences sector alone contributes billions to the economy but also relies heavily on energy-intensive processes. Scotland, a leader in medical research and biotechnology, faces similar challenges, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, microbiology, and chemical analysis. Reducing emissions from research facilities, improving waste management, and shifting towards greener laboratory practices are key to achieving our climate targets.

The Role of Science in Climate Solutions

Despite its environmental cost, the science industry is also at the forefront of solutions to mitigate climate change. Research in renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and sustainable materials is essential for the transition to a low-carbon economy. In Scotland, the push for green hydrogen, advancements in offshore wind energy, and decarbonisation of vital infrastructure, are heavily supported by scientific innovation.

Furthermore, scientific developments in agriculture, such as precision farming and alternative proteins, are helping to reduce emissions from food production. The microbiology sector, in which I work, is contributing to solutions for antimicrobial resistance, sustainable biotechnologies, and bio-based materials that could replace fossil fuel-derived products – all efforts which will direct and indirect effects on climate change. Knowing that the work I do contributes to some of these advancements gives me hope that our industry can be part of the solution rather than just a contributor to the problem.

Making Science More Sustainable: Policy and Action

Efforts to make science more sustainable are gaining traction, but they must be reinforced by policy changes. The UK’s Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) encourages research institutions to adopt greener practices, such as reducing plastic use, improving energy efficiency, and minimising waste. Universities and research facilities in Scotland are integrating sustainability into their operations through green lab initiatives and carbon reduction plans.

However, national and regional policies must go further. The Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan includes emissions reduction targets, but the science industry needs stronger incentives and regulatory frameworks to reduce its footprint. Decarbonising research facilities should be a priority, with more funding and incentives for research institutions to transition to renewable energy, retrofit older buildings for energy efficiency, and adopt sustainable procurement policies. Many laboratories operate in outdated facilities that were not designed with sustainability in mind, meaning significant investment is required to modernise infrastructure and reduce emissions.

The reduction of single-use plastics is another area that needs stronger policy intervention. While safety and contamination risks are valid concerns – especially in a microbiology lab like mine – a shift towards reusable or more sustainable alternatives must be encouraged. Mandates and industry-wide guidelines should be put in place to phase out unnecessary plastics while ensuring safety and hygiene standards remain uncompromised and efficiency of research is not hindered.

Improving waste management practices is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of scientific research. Policies that support circular economy approaches within laboratories, such as extended producer responsibility for chemical suppliers and sustainable lab certifications, could help to drive change. There is a need for greater collaboration between research institutions, government agencies, and waste management companies to develop more effective recycling and disposal systems.

A Path Forward

The science industry in Scotland and the wider UK has a responsibility not only to develop solutions to climate change but also to ensure its own operations are sustainable. By embracing energy efficiency, reducing waste, and integrating sustainability into research culture, the sector can lead by example in the fight against climate change.

For scientists like me, the challenge is deeply personal. We are passionate about discovery and innovation, yet we also want to ensure that our work does not come at an environmental cost. While individual efforts are important, systemic change must come through stronger policies, funding mechanisms, and industry-wide commitments. The path to a net-zero future must include a sustainable approach to science itself.

This British Science Week, as we celebrate the power of research to shape our world, let’s also challenge ourselves to ensure that scientific progress and sustainability go hand in hand.