Ireland has taken a major step forward in embedding sustainability in scientific research, with 72 laboratory certifications awarded across 12 higher education institutions as part of the Research Ireland Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme.
The announcement was made today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, who commended the certified labs for their commitment to environmentally responsible research practices.
“Research is not only about discovery; it’s also about how we conduct our work and its impact on the world,” said Minister Lawless.
“These certifications represent a national shift towards greener innovation, and I congratulate the teams recognised today for leading by example.”
Launched in October 2023 by Research Ireland in collaboration with My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, the programme is a global first—making Research Ireland the world’s first national funding body to implement a national lab sustainability certification initiative.
The pilot programme encouraged Research Ireland-funded scientists to adopt sustainable practices in their labs, from reducing energy and water use to improving waste management and procurement practices.
The response was enthusiastic, with strong uptake across the academic research sector.
A comprehensive independent evaluation of the pilot—completed in late 2024—confirmed its effectiveness and offered a roadmap for further action.
The evaluation praised the initiative for driving cultural change in Irish research and laid out actionable steps for Research Ireland, participating labs, and certification providers.
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO and Climate Champion at Research Ireland, highlighted the programme’s dual impact: “Not only did this pilot lead to meaningful changes in lab operations, it also shaped Research Ireland’s sustainability strategy going forward.
“We look forward to building on this progress and expanding our climate action efforts nationally and internationally.”
James Connolly, CEO of My Green Lab and Impact Laboratories, applauded Ireland’s leadership, noting: “Ireland now ranks second globally in the number of labs enrolled in the My Green Lab certification programme.
“The commitment shown here is a benchmark for global science.”
With these 72 certifications, Ireland has reinforced its role as a leader in sustainable research and innovation.
The pilot’s success marks the beginning of a wider transformation that places climate-conscious practices at the heart of scientific progress.
Photo: Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD; Prof. Emmanuelle Graciet, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Maynooth University; and Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO, Research Ireland.
