Creating a Green Chemistry Lab: Towards Sustainable Resource Management and Responsible Purchasing

Abstract

The main goal of this project was to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the chemistry teaching laboratories of the Faculty of Engineering Vitoria-Gasteiz (University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)). With this aim, three different actions were developed. The first two actions aspired to achieve and maintain order and maximize efficiency within the facilities. With this in mind, the first phase involved carrying out an inventory, classifying, and rearranging all the chemical products in the warehouse using a computer storage system. Secondly, 5S lean methodology was implemented in the laboratories. The final phase included the development of a protocol for a joint purchasing strategy of chemical reagents that fostered a more responsible and sustainable acquisition and management of the substances used in various departments of the UPV/EHU. This protocol plays a key role in the transition towards the Circular Economy and its importance lies in the fact that it could be extended to other departments and faculties with similar needs. This project was developed during last two academic years (2017/2019) in the frame of the Campus Bizia Lab Programme, an initiative created to address sustainability challenges within the University.