Sustainable development

A group of about twenty volunteers organized themselves to reflect on and take action regarding the laboratory's environmental footprint. The "Fireflies" implemented the following actions:

Promoting soft mobility

IPMC has committed to becoming a "bike-friendly employer" and regularly offers cycling safety training and participatory mechanics workshops. As a 2024 recipient of the CNRS call for initiatives for environmental transition, we have installed a bicycle inflation and repair station. The building also features an electric vehicle charging station and secure bicycle storage.

Optimizing the lifespan and consumption of freezers

We have listed and measured our fleet of -20° and -80° freezers with the aim of reducing their consumption (represents 10% of the building's electricity consumption). Staff are trained in good practices and the laboratory is committed to a sample sorting process: objective zero new freezers.

Recycling our cone boxes

Biology laboratories consume a significant amount of plastic: packaging, protective materials, and also non-recyclable hard plastics. That's why we've implemented a recycling program for cone boxes and refill trays. Our main suppliers collect their products on-site and reintegrate them into their manufacturing processes. In 2018, a new service was created: the "warehouse" centralizes orders for consumables, thus improving inventory and transportation management.

Optimization of selective sorting

Until 2024, the laboratory only had one collection point for selective sorting. Our collective has set up 7 new containers, widely used by our employees. In addition, composters are available to staff outside the building.

Carbon footprint

We cannot embark on an ecological transition plan without first measuring greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to the Labos1point5 tool, we established our first BGES in 2022. Very similar to that of the CNRS, it highlights that the IPMC emits 14t of CO2 per agent per year. Purchases represent 73% of emissions, missions 13%.

These actions illustrate the IPMC's commitment to an eco-responsible approach and show the concrete impact of our initiatives in favor of sustainable development. We remain determined to continue our efforts and to further involve our community in these collective projects.

If you are a public laboratory and would like to discuss these topics, please contact us 🙂 lucioles@ipmc.cnrs.fr