7 July 2026
What if one of the most effective ways to reduce the environmental footprint of a research laboratory was as simple as changing a freezer setting?
Drug Discovery Research Infrastructure facilities are exploring practical ways to improve the environmental sustainability and operational efficiency of laboratory research while maintaining the quality and integrity of the science.
Several Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA)-supported facilities based at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) are participating in this effort. The Australian Translational Medicinal Chemistry Facility (ATMCF) recently achieved Green certification, the highest level available through the My Green Lab (MGL) program, while the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO) and Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre (MMIC) were awarded Platinum certification, another significant achievement within the MGL program. Monash Fragment Platform, mRNA Core and Drug Target Identification Platform have also begun their sustainability journey and are currently progressing through the program.
While each facility operates differently, a common theme emerged from discussions with researchers and facility managers: sustainability does not have to start with major infrastructure upgrades. Often, it begins by taking a closer look at established laboratory practices.
Ultra-low temperature freezers provide one example. For decades, many laboratories have operated freezers at -80°C as standard practice. Yet growing evidence suggests that many samples can be stored safely at -70°C, significantly reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the equipment without compromising sample integrity.
"We never thought twice about why freezers were set at -80°C, that's just how it had always been."
Freezer temperatures are only one part of a much broader effort. Across participating facilities, teams have introduced measures ranging from improved recycling systems and more sustainable procurement practices to better management of laboratory consumables and reduced energy use from equipment and fume hoods.
Many of these initiatives require little financial investment. Instead, they rely on awareness, planning and a willingness to question processes that may have been accepted simply because they have always been done that way.
The experience has also highlighted the importance of collaboration. Researchers repeatedly pointed to the value of sharing ideas, experiences and practical solutions through the MIPS Green Lab Community of Practice, led by Associate Professor Lauren May, Lead of the MIPS Climate Health Focus Area. For many participants, what initially appeared to be a complex and potentially overwhelming process became far more achievable with support from colleagues who had already navigated similar challenges.
Participants stressed that environmental improvements should never come at the expense of scientific quality. Rather than asking researchers to compromise, the process encourages them to identify efficiencies, reduce unnecessary waste and make better-informed decisions about how resources are used.
The journey is ongoing. Not every opportunity can be implemented immediately, and some changes require support at an organisational level. Yet participants consistently emphasised that meaningful progress does not require perfection.
"Start small and build from there. There are things outside your control, but there are a lot of things you can do internally just by changing culture, mindset and practices."
As Australia’s research sector considers how to build a more sustainable and resilient research ecosystem, the experience of these facilities demonstrates that progress often begins with small, practical changes. Individually, those changes may seem modest. Collectively, they have the potential to reshape how research is conducted and how laboratories contribute to a more sustainable future.
Whilst progress began with small laboratory changes, Institutional support was critical to achieve Green and Platinum status, with Professor Chris Porter, Director of MIPS, leading the cultural shift. From facilitating training opportunities and sustainable procurement initiatives to recognising and celebrating achievements, MIPS has helped create a culture where sustainability is increasingly becoming part of everyday laboratory decision-making.Â
Five changes any laboratory can make.
- Review whether ultra-low temperature freezers need to operate at -80°C.
- Close fume hood sashes when not in use to reduce energy consumption.
- Improve recycling streams for laboratory packaging and consumables.
- Choose suppliers based on their Green Lab credentials.
- Encourage simple behavioural changes such as switching off equipment and lights when not required.
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Learn more about My Green Lab:
My Green Lab is an internationally recognised certification program focused on improving sustainability practices within laboratory environments. The program supports laboratories to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, water use, and waste through both operational improvements and behavioural change.