idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
The Leibniz-HKI is committed to sustainable research and is developing a concept to make work processes in science and administration more resource-efficient.
In order to meet the challenges of the climate crisis, it is also important for research institutes to contribute to environmentally friendly research – without compromising scientific quality. This is why the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) is currently developing a sustainability concept.
The focus is on avoiding (plastic) waste in the laboratory, reducing CO2 emissions and saving energy. Numerous measures are already being implemented – for example, the installation of ventilation systems with efficient heat recovery or the use of waste heat from server rooms. A photovoltaic system was installed on the HKI Biotech Center in 2022, gas consumption was also reduced and, where possible, deep-freeze temperatures have been raised from -80°C to -70°C.
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
However, as sustainability begins with practical work in the laboratory, the Leibniz-HKI has enlisted the support of expert Patrick Penndorf. The biochemist has been active in sustainability consulting worldwide since 2022 and focuses on the integration of sustainable practices into scientific processes. His aim is to create long-term solutions that result not only in ecological, but also scientific and economic benefits for laboratories. Patrick Penndorf is convinced that the ecological footprint in research can be significantly reduced: "Sustainability in science means much more than being environmentally friendly. It's about optimizing scientific processes – better data quality, more efficient workflows, time and cost savings. Only what protects and improves science itself is truly sustainable."
Microbiological and infection biology research places high demands on consumables, and the sterile conditions in laboratories in particular mean that large quantities of disposable plastic are produced, most of which cannot be recycled. The long-term goal is to redesign these processes in a resource-conserving and environmentally friendly way without compromising scientific quality, while taking the needs of researchers into account. Simple adjustments can save up to 65% of plastic waste. Patrick Penndorf looks at the individual experimental steps together with the Leibniz-HKI scientists, gives specific tips for more sustainable work and encourages the active sharing of experiences.
In day-to-day laboratory work, there are numerous other levers for greater sustainability: optimizing equipment settings can save energy and make processes more efficient. Revised protocols, e.g. for solvent quantities, reduce consumption without any loss of quality. Structural measures such as energy plans and team exchanges promote a collective rethinking.
𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀
Administrative processes can also be made more sustainable. For example, the Leibniz-HKI has set up a flight compensation fund to offset business-related air travel. The funds are reinvested in purchases that contribute to a more positive ecological footprint. The issue of reducing energy and CO2 emissions will also play a role in future renovation work on existing buildings in line with monument protection regulations. By developing the concept, the institute has taken the first steps on the long road to raising awareness of sustainability in research.
"Researching and working in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way is both a process and a challenge. We are happy to take on these tasks, as they make a lasting contribution to positive climate development. As a Leibniz Institute, we want to play our part and set a good example," says Axel Brakhage, Director at Leibniz-HKI.
Prof. Dr. Axel Brakhage
Director
+49 3641 532-1001
axel.brakhage@leibniz-hki.de
Biochemist Patrick Penndorf talks to Jakob Sprague (Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms) about opport ...
Copyright: © Leibniz-HKI
Targeted optimization of workflows can reduce plastic waste in the laboratory by up to 65%.
Copyright: © Leibniz-HKI
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Biochemist Patrick Penndorf talks to Jakob Sprague (Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms) about opport ...
Copyright: © Leibniz-HKI
Targeted optimization of workflows can reduce plastic waste in the laboratory by up to 65%.
Copyright: © Leibniz-HKI
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