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Responsible research: reducing the environmental footprint of our science
09 December 2025
As an environmental organisation, we are committed to reducing any negative impact our research and innovation activities may have on the natural environment. Here we share some examples of what we have achieved.
Caring for our environment. Jay Antol | Unsplash
The environmental impact of marine research can be substantial. From carbon emissions of research vessels and super computers to habitat disturbance and the use of chemicals, with all the best intentions, environmental research can leave a footprint.
Overall, however, marine science provides far greater environmental benefits than harm, especially when the research is conducted ethically and using newer, low-impact technologies, such as autonomous devices.
With this in mind, the whole PML team has been on a mission to identify and address areas that could be improved.
Examples of our environmental commitment and improvements:
- Signatory of the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice.
- Since 2021, PML has been part of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Most of our laboratories are now at ‘Silver’ level and the remainder are ‘Bronze’.
- Since 2022 we have maintained certification to ISO14001 for Environmental Management
- In October 2023 a 134kWp solar carport became operational, complementing 2 solar roof arrays that were previously installed in May 2021. Combined, the solar panels are saving PML approximately 68.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
- Banking provision and financial services moved to ethical providers that do not finance the production or extraction of fossil fuels or other damaging impacts on the environment.
The success of these activities has been recognised by various environmental and sustainability awards in recent years:
- Winner of the “Regional Chamber Business Award for Green Innovation” 2024
- Winner of “The Planet Saver” Award at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards 2024
- Winner of “Environmental Success of the Year” at the PlymouthLive Business Awards 2021.
Our current activities are focused on:
- Development of a Responsible Procurement Policy, embracing environmental, ethical and economic considerations, and guidance for our employees to help make more informed supplier decisions.
- Identification, prioritisation and implementation of mechanisms to reduce emissions associated with data holdings and IT infrastructure.
- Development of a replacement plan to reduce inefficient science and building infrastructure and replace with low-carbon technologies.
Beverly Tremain, Director or Operations at PML and Chair of the Environmentally Responsible Research Strategy Group Committee, commented:
“We are immensely proud of our staff, whose enthusiasm and commitment are driving real reductions in our environmental impact. At PML, we are dedicated to ensuring that our world-leading research is ethical, conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, and truly benefits both the ocean and society. By working together, we are helping to safeguard our extraordinary natural environment for generations to come.”
