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Can Labs Go Green Without Compromising Science?

Industry experts discuss how labs, suppliers, and logistics can work together to reduce diagnostics' carbon footprint

By Helen Bristow 06/29/2026 Interview 8 min read

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Clinical Scorecard: Can Labs Go Green Without Compromising Science?

At a Glance

Category	Detail
Condition	Sustainability in Life Sciences
Key Mechanisms	Balancing environmental responsibility with scientific rigor and reliability.
Target Population	Researchers and scientists in laboratory settings.
Care Setting	Laboratory environments and life sciences research.

Key Highlights

Sustainability challenges are largely structural rather than cultural.
Cold chain storage and single-use plastics are significant sustainability issues.
Younger scientists are increasingly advocating for greener practices.
Outdated infrastructure complicates sustainability efforts in laboratories.
Collaboration across teams is essential for integrating sustainability with scientific performance.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

Management

Integrate sustainability alongside quality, reliability, and scientific performance.

Monitoring & Follow-up

Risks

Maintaining stringent laboratory standards while pursuing sustainability can be challenging.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Not applicable; focus is on laboratory practices.

Efforts to move products to ambient storage conditions can reduce transportation demands.

Clinical Best Practices

Collaborate across different teams and disciplines to achieve sustainable solutions.
Consider the full environmental impact of logistics and cold chain requirements.

Related Resources & Content

About the Author(s)

Helen Bristow

Combining my dual backgrounds in science and communications to bring you compelling content in your speciality.

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