IDM’s Sustainable Science Initiative: A first for Africa in greener research

As the global impacts of climate change and environmental harm worsen, the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has taken a step towards greener practices and policies with the launch of its Sustainable Science Initiative (SSI). The groundbreaking project aims to reduce the environmental footprint of the Institute while maintaining its status as a world-class research institution.

Through its partnership with the internationally recognised non-profit My Green Lab, the IDM has become the first academic research institution in South Africa – and across Africa – to pursue My Green Lab Certification. This certification, which guides laboratories through the process of improving sustainability across multiple categories, is considered the international gold standard for laboratory sustainability best practices, promoting responsible research practices and reducing the carbon footprint of labs. It positions the institute at the forefront of a global movement towards sustainable science.

A vision for greener science

The core vision of the SSI is to achieve My Green Lab Certification and by integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations. My Green Lab is recognised by the United Nations (UN) as part of its Race to Zero campaign, which seeks to halve global emissions by 2030. Over 3 000 laboratories are enrolled in the My Green Lab Certification programme worldwide, helping them to reduce their environmental impact and foster sustainable research practices.

“The IDM … is the first academic research institution in South Africa … to pursue My Green Lab Certification.”

“We are proud to confirm that the IDM at the University of Cape Town is the first academic research institution in South Africa – and indeed, across the entire African continent – to pursue My Green Lab Certification. We hope this milestone will serve as a source of inspiration, setting the standard for sustainable science not just in South Africa, but throughout Africa,” said Jack O’Grady, the senior programme manager at My Green Lab.

For the IDM, the road to sustainability also includes two additional projects: integrating solar power into the institute’s operations and tracking the carbon footprint of its research activities. By adopting these measures, it hopes to reduce its reliance on traditional energy sources and foster a culture of sustainability that can serve as a model for other academic and research institutions.

Leading the sustainable science effort

The SSI is spearheaded by the head of the IDM’s operations team, Selisha Naidoo, who has been instrumental in driving the initiative. Naidoo emphasised the dual responsibility of scientific progress and environmental protection, stating, “Biomedical research is crucial for improving human health, but paradoxically it is inextricably linked to practices that carry a significant environmental cost, contributing tremendously to the climate crisis. Through the SSI, we’re not only committing to scientific excellence but also to protecting the planet that sustains life. With this initiative, we would like the IDM to become national leaders in demonstrating that excellence in biomedical research is inseparable from environmental stewardship.”

Raising awareness: merging art with science

To kick off the SSI, the IDM exhibited Mycoremediation 2050, a futuristic art installation, created by UCT’s Michaelis School of Fine Art graduate Reece Brice. This installation aligns with the institute’s sustainability goals by exploring nature-based solutions to pressing environmental challenges like plastic pollution.

Brice’s exhibition envisions a future where mushrooms play a crucial role in breaking down plastic into organic matter, a process known as mycoremediation. “By 2050, it’s predicted that there could be more plastic than marine life in our oceans,” Brice explained. “With Mycoremediation 2050, I wanted to offer a vision of hope. Highlighting fungi’s natural ability to remediate plastic waste, my goal is to spark a space for intervention and solution-seeking ideas in any form. As an artist, my role is to process information and express it in ways that captivate and connect with people, fostering positive change – particularly for the environment.”

Constructed from plastic materials, the exhibition serves as both a cautionary tale and a symbol of optimism, reflecting the SSI’s mission to integrate greener practices into research. Brice’s work is a powerful reminder that innovative solutions, like the My Green Lab Certification and SSI, can help mitigate the environmental impact of scientific research.

“Mycoremediation 2050 imagines Earth’s future, where mushrooms, nature’s composters, are central to addressing the plastic waste crisis. This vision aligns with the IDM’s SSI mission to combine innovation with environmental stewardship,” Brice concluded.

The urgent need for sustainable research

Scientific research, while essential for progress, has significant environmental consequences. Globally, life science laboratories generate approximately 12 billion pounds of plastic waste annually. Laboratories also consume up to 10 times more energy and four to five times more water than similarly sized office spaces.

Given the IDM’s significant footprint – comprising over 20 research groups, 56 laboratories, and five buildings – there is an urgent need to address its environmental impact. From single-use plastics to high energy consumption and the carbon emissions generated by research activities, the SSI aims to set a new standard for green laboratory practices in South Africa and Africa.

UCT’s director for Environmental Sustainability, Manfred Braune, noted: “It is a wonderful demonstration of leadership by UCT’s IDM to take this bold step towards gaining a better understanding of and improving their environmental footprint, especially in such a complex scientific laboratory-intensive environment. I look forward to supporting them on this journey and hope to see many other research institutes across UCT and other African institutes follow suit.”

As the global community continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, the IDM’s actions are a powerful reminder that the future of science must be green. IDM’s director, Professor Digby Warner, commented, “The IDM’s partnership with My Green Lab is much more than just a certification process – it’s a commitment to long-term sustainability in all of the IDM’s activities. By pursuing this certification, we hope to advance the environmental agenda at UCT while demonstrating our awareness of the need to conduct impactful research that is sensitive to the intimate interplay between climate and health.”