University of Cape Town’s IDM Becomes Africa’s First My Green Lab-Certified Academic Research Institute

Introduction

The Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) at the University of Cape Town has become Africa’s first academic research institute to achieve My Green Lab certification, a milestone that demonstrates how scientific excellence and sustainability can work hand-in-hand.

For many laboratories across Africa, the question we often hear is: “Where do we start?”

The IDM’s journey offers a practical answer, showing that meaningful change begins with small, consistent actions that grow into a culture of sustainable science.

Starting Small, Building Momentum

When the IDM launched its Sustainable Science Initiative just over a year ago, the goal was not only certification but a transformation in how science is practised.

“We started small, switching off lights, reducing water and energy waste, and finding ways to cut down plastics. Over time, those small actions became habits, and those habits became a culture of sustainability.”

— IDM Operations Team

Simple steps such as turning off equipment when not in use, installing water restrictors, and improving recycling systems collectively made a measurable difference. These “low-hanging fruit” actions helped the team build confidence before tackling larger operational goals.

UCT IDM Green Lab certificate handover for Biosafety Level III platform

Director of IDM, Professor Digby Warner, presents Selisha Naidoo with a My Green Lab Green-level certificate for the Biosafety Level III platform.

UCT IDM Green Lab platinum certificate presented for Proteomics and Metabolomics platform

Professor Digby Warner presents Michelle Du Plessis with a My Green Lab Platinum-level certificate for the Proteomics and Metabolomics platform.

Leadership That Inspires Action

Described by the IDM Director, Professor Digby Warner as the “driving force” behind the institute’s sustainability program, Selisha Naidoo spearheaded the IDM’s My Green Lab certification journey. She coordinated teams across laboratories, operations, and procurement to translate the vision of sustainable science into day-to-day practice.

Her approach, combining structured audits, hands-on training, and a commitment to measurable improvement, helped embed sustainability into every corner of the IDM’s operations.

Embedding Sustainability into Everyday Science

At the IDM, sustainability became everyone’s responsibility. Technical officers introduced signage, checklists, and visual reminders to reinforce good practices, while operations and procurement teams shifted toward energy-efficient equipment and ACT-labelled consumables from verified sustainable suppliers.

By assigning sustainability roles and integrating green practices into inductions and standard operating procedures, the institute ensured the effort extended beyond a single champion. It became part of how the entire institute operates.

Scientist operating Evosep One instrument in a modern laboratory

Image by: Migal Vinas

Researcher in full PPE working in biosafety cabinet with pipette

Image by: Migal Vinas

Measure, Track, Improve

A core part of the IDM’s success has been measurement and accountability. Through My Green Lab’s global certification framework, each laboratory underwent an in-depth audit across fourteen categories, from energy and water to waste and green chemistry.

Rather than attempting to change everything at once, labs focused on a few achievable areas, implementing realistic improvements over time.

This stepwise approach allowed the Biological Safety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory to reach Green certification, which is the highest level, and the Proteomics and Metabolomics laboratory facilities to reach Platinum certification, exceptional achievements for high-containment and high-throughput environments.

The IDM also began tracking its carbon footprint, revealing both the scale of its environmental impact and opportunities for reduction.

Partnerships and Shared Responsibility

True to their vision of “sustainability as an ecosystem,” the IDM’s initiative extended beyond internal operations. Collaborations with suppliers and partners, including Lasec’s tip box recycling program pilot, are helping to ensure that sustainability continues across the full research lifecycle, from procurement to disposal.

Lessons for Other Laboratories

Whether you are just starting your sustainability journey or already implementing green practices, the IDM’s experience offers clear takeaways:

Start Small: Choose one area, such as plastics, energy, or water.
Build a Team: Sustainability thrives when it is shared.
Use Available Frameworks: Tools like My Green Lab or internal checklists help structure progress.
Track and Celebrate Progress: Visible impact motivates long-term commitment.
Collaborate with Suppliers: Sustainable procurement is a key driver of change.

A Model for Sustainable Science in Africa

The IDM’s achievement shows that transforming research operations does not require huge budgets, just leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to start. Their example sets a benchmark for academic research institutes across Africa seeking to align research excellence with environmental responsibility.

Congratulations to the UCT IDM team on this remarkable milestone, and for proving that sustainable science is not just possible, but powerful.

Lasec^® supports laboratories across Africa on their journey toward sustainable science. Learn more about our Lab Sustainability Initiative, webinars, and product solutions that reduce environmental impact.

Read the Full IDM Story: https://idm.uct.ac.za/articles/2025-10-17-idm-africas-first-my-green-lab-certified-academic-research-institute

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November 26, 2025 | View: 52 | Categories: Sustainability | Tags: <a class="mp-info" href="https://www.lasec.com/blog/tag/sustainability">Sustainability</a>