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Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD) was recently awarded the gold certification from My Green Lab (MGL). The United Nations Race to Zero campaign recognises My Green Lab Certification as a key measure of progress towards a zero-carbon future. It is considered the highest standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world. This recognition is a testament to the university's commitment to a zero-carbon future. My Green Lab certification is only awarded to labs that follow the best sustainability practices.
The Dubai campus is the first academic institution in the UAE to achieve this feat. The accreditation was attained following a thorough evaluation process that lasted a year and a half, along with ongoing communication with the MGL team based in the United States.
Cameron Mehrabanpour, Head of Estates and Facilities at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, who guided the team on the project, said, “As Head of Estates and Facilities at HWUD, I am incredibly proud of our efforts in achieving this remarkable milestone. Securing this certification underscores HWUD's dedication to sustainability and responsible resource management and opens a world of potential benefits.”
The journey towards the Gold Certification involved a comprehensive assessment and planning. Lab personnel were educated and trained on sustainable behaviours, leading to the implementation of energy, water, waste, and chemical management practices. Metrics were established to monitor progress, and an application for certification was submitted. Following a formal assessment, the lab was awarded the prestigious Gold Certification, a testament to the university's commitment to sustainability. This can lead to significant cost savings and resource preservation.
This achievement paves the way for the university's brighter, more sustainable future. This accomplishment not only demonstrates the lab's commitment to environmental stewardship but also inspires others to adopt green practices.