RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences is proud to announce that all its research and teaching laboratories have received My Green Lab Certification, the gold standard for laboratory sustainability practices globally.

RCSI is the first university in Ireland to achieve this milestone, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and underscoring its leadership in climate action within the healthcare education sector.

My Green Lab Certification is recognised as a key measure of a laboratory’s commitment to sustainable practices. Achieving this certification requires adherence to stringent criteria across areas such as recycling and waste reduction, green chemistry practices, water, infrastructural energy and travel. The accreditation process involved collaborative efforts across RCSI’s research community to meet the programme’s rigorous standards.

Net carbon zero

RCSI has a deep professional responsibility to enhance human health, which is intertwined with planetary health. The university’s community of staff and students is committed to contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and working with others to making a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

The certification of all laboratories under the My Green Lab framework further strengthens RCSI’s alignment with several SDGs and is an important goal within RCSI’s Climate Action Roadmap which sets out the university's plan to achieve net zero carbon by 2050.

Sustainability journey

Commenting on the achievement, Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor, RCSI, said: “This accreditation is a significant milestone in our sustainability journey. By achieving My Green Lab Certification across all our laboratories, RCSI is setting a benchmark for sustainable research practices in Ireland and beyond. It reflects our commitment to leading by example in addressing the global climate challenge through tangible action.”

RCSI’s sustainability initiatives also focus on mobilising research and innovation towards achieving the UN SDGs. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research efforts, the university is advancing solutions to address pressing global health and environmental challenges.