School of Veterinary Medicine wins BSVP Green Labs Competition

The British Society Veterinary Pathologists Green Labs Competition 2024-2025 recognised laboratories for their sustainability initiatives, awarding prizes of £500 and £250 for the winner and runner-up, respectively, to be reinvested into their projects. The competition sought projects focusing on laboratory sustainability, education, or behavioural changes, with special consideration for those demonstrating carbon literacy.

This year's winner was "Chemical recycling at the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Cost-Benefit Analysis," led by Alison Lee with Susan Peters, Ruth O'Connell, Daniel O'Sullivan, Mary Sekiya and Damien Bradley. The project aimed to understand the economic and carbon costs associated with formalin and solvent purchase and disposal at UCDSVM. Lee's team analysed existing records, investigated recycling options from three companies (Distrilab B.V., CBG Biotech, and Creative Waste Solutions Inc.), and presented their findings to staff.

They successfully gained a clearer understanding of current chemical waste practices, associated costs, and potential recycling solutions, also prompting discussions on reducing formalin use. Judges praised the project for its thorough, creative, and well-reasoned approach, highlighting its effectiveness in building a strong business case for sustainability within a financially driven environment.

Congratulations to the runner-up team whose project was entitled; "Lighting replacement - Fluorescents to LED," led by Elizabeth Alloway of the Veterinary Pathology Group.