Finding solutions to the environmental, medical, physical and social challenges facing the world requires an intensive research agenda that utilizes energy, materials and resources. UBC is taking progressive and innovative steps to reduce the impact of its research activities through a Green Research initiative that facilitates the sustainable reduction of the University’s research footprint through training, guidance and consultation, and recycling and recovery initiatives.

This cooperative effort is led by Risk Management Services, the Office of Health Safety and Environment (HSE) at UBC Okanagan, the UBC Campus Sustainability Office, UBC Supply Management and committed members of our research community. 

UBC INITIATIVES AND SUCCESSES

Lab Plastics Recycling at UBC

In early 2010, three laboratories in the Department of Chemistry partnered with the UBC Green Research Committee and UBC Waste Management to launch a laboratory plastics recycling pilot project. A laboratory plastics recycling program was launched in June 2010 based on this pilot, to engage a wider scope of research facilities at UBC. For more information, please visit the Lab Plastics Recycling Program website.

Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste Management

Risk Management Services supports departments across the University in meeting their environmental obligations as prescribed by UBC Policy #6 - Environmental Protection Compliance and UBC Policy #9 - Hazardous Materials Management.

Risk Management Services provides departments, faculty and staff with regulatory and technical guidance to:

• minimize the environmental impact of their operations;
• mitigate environmental risks; and
• prevent and control spills and releases to the environment.

Staff also compile and submit environmental compliance reports to various agencies at the district, provincial and federal level.

Risk Management Services offers the following recycling and hazardous waste prevention programs and environmental protection services:

• Battery Recycling
• Styrofoam Reduction and Recycling
• Lab Plastic Recycling
• Biological Waste Disposal
• Chemical Waste Disposal
• Silver Recovery Program
• Solvent Recovery Program
• Virtual Green Lab Tour

Hazardous waste minimization efforts in 2009 resulted in the reduction of 9 tonnes of waste, and significant cost savings.

Styrofoam Reduction and Recycling Program

The Styrofoam Reduction and Recycling pilot program aims to reduce Styrofoam packaging through collaboration with suppliers to find Styrofoam alternatives as well as providing a convenient means of recycling Styrofoam on campus.

The first phase of the pilot launched at the Brain Research Centre in 2009 and expanded to Life Sciences Centre in 2010.

In the second phase of this project we have expanded to include eight more buildings on the UBC-Vancouver campus. Waste Management Services will now pick up Styrofoam recycling from the following locations:

• Biological Sciences
• Brain Research Centre
• Chemistry
• Forest Sciences Centre
• Life Sciences Centre
• Michael Smith Labs
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Psychology

For more information, please visit the Styrofoam Reduction and Recycling website.

Achievements to Date

• 40,700 litres of Styrofoam collected and recycled
  
• Abcam has reduced its box size, but is unable to accept box returns due to customs issues;
• Anachemia Science has changed all UBC accounts to not include Styrofoam peanuts in shipments;
• Cedarlane has reduced its box size, but is unable to extend its box return system outside of Ontario;
• Fisher Scientific has stopped sending Styrofoam packaging, except for temperature sensitive shipments;
• Santa Cruz Biotechnology has stopped sending Styrofoam and ships in overnight FedEx envelopes instead, with no decrease in antibody quality;
• Sigma has reduced the quantity of Styrofoam for the Brain Research Centre’s shipments, but still sends Styrofoam peanuts with certain classes of shipments;
• VWR has stopped sending Styrofoam packaging except for temperature sensitive shipments, and is in discussion with the Brain Research Centre to pilot a returnable tote system;
• Fermentas, New England Biological, Roche and STEMCELL Technologies all have box return and re-use systems.

UBC OKANAGAN INITIATIVES AND SUCESSES

Fisher-Corning Lab Plastics Recycling Program

From March 1 to May 30, 2010, representatives from four labs at UBC Okanagan worked with the Okanagan Sustainability Office, in partnership with Supply Management, Facilities Management and the UBC Okanagan HSE office, on a pilot project to test and demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a lab plastics recycling program on campus.

Pilot labs were held to measure the quantity of recyclables generated and determine the amount of waste diverted from the landfill through new practices on campus. The pilot also offered opportunities to streamline lab recycling processes and increase awareness of sustainable lab practices. 

Based on the success of the pilot, UBC Okanagan initiated the Fisher-Corning Lab Plastics Recycling Program in labs across campus in September, 2010—the first program of its kind at a Canadian University. Funded by Fisher-Corning Life Sciences, this program contributes to future sustainability initiatives in UBC Okanagan’s labs.

Okanagan Styrofoam Recycling

The UBC Okanagan recycling program includes an innovative Styrofoam recycling system which makes Styrofoam recycling convenient for end users.

Facilities Management issues clear bags, upon request, to individuals or departments that generate Styrofoam waste. End users place full bags by blue recycling bins, and the bags are picked up by Facilities Management and delivered to a designated storage container.  

Once the container is full, the Styrofoam is measured and donated to a local manufacturer that reuses this post-consumer waste by manufacturing it into lining for septic fields and tanks. Through this program, the Okanagan campus has diverted approximately 60 cubic yards—equivalent to 10 garbage dumpsters—from landfills in the first half of 2010 alone.

Pollution Prevention and Hazardous Waste Management

The HSE Office at UBC Okanagan coordinates the disposal of locally-produced hazardous materials. Battery recycling, chemical exchange and other waste reduction initiatives are expanding rapidly, to coincide with the growth of the research footprint at UBC Okanagan. Visit the UBC-O HSE Office website for progress updates and new program information.

GREEN RESEARCH SUPPORTS

Fisher Scientific Fund

Fisher Scientific is sponsoring an incentive/reward program to facilitate the reduction of UBC’s research footprint on the environment. The research community is invited to submit a proposal for funding. Click here for information on how to apply.

Green Research Newsletter

Risk Management Services also distributes a quarterly Green Research Newsletter to promote the latest green research information and initiatives, and to guide the research community on how best to implement sustainable changes within experimental protocols.

Green Research Workshop

Offered in the summer/fall each year, the Green Research Workshop provides UBC faculty, staff and students with information about green research practices, products and services.

Call to Action

Contact Risk Management Services at UBC Vancouver, the Office of Health Safety and Environment at UBC Okanagan, or the Campus Sustainability Office today to get involved in Green Research Program initiatives.