Sustainable lab practices for life sciences

Sustainable laboratory practices are becoming an explicit requirement in many external funding schemes. In addition, EPFL has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, in line with Swiss Federal objectives. This course equips emerging researchers with the knowledge, analytical tools, and facilitation skills necessary to critically evaluate and reduce the environmental impact of their research activities.

• Examine the growing body of literature on the environmental footprint of research activities and explore the ethical responsibilities of researchers to address these impacts.
• Perform a carbon footprint assessment of their own laboratory across the value chain using the EPFL CO2 Calculator (deployed in autumn 2026) aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
• Compare and apply recognised certification frameworks, including the new SPARKHub platform (deployed in autumn 2026) that provides verified certification frameworks for different lab typologies.
• Design, facilitate, and peer-review laboratory engagement workshops aimed at co-developing practical, evidence-based sustainability action plans.

The course emphasises reflective practice, critical evaluation of sustainability assessment methods, and peer-to-peer learning. By the end of the course, students will have developed both a robust conceptual understanding and practical competence to serve as sustainability champions in their current and future research environments.