Our sustainability

Our Commitment

As an environmental organisation, we are committed to reducing the negative impact of our research and innovation activities on the natural environment.

Our Track Record (2020-2024)

During this period, we made significant inroads into realising our commitments:

• 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.
• New bicycle compound and shelter built offering over 50 bicycle parking spaces to encourage carbon-free commuting.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers installed with 8 charging bays available for staff and students.
• Since 2021, PML laboratories have been part of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Our labs are currently at the bronze or silver award.
• We moved our banking provision to an ethical bank that doesn’t finance the production or extraction of fossil fuels or other damaging impacts on the environment.
• We further strengthened our investment policy to ensure that we only invest in an environmentally sustainable and ethical / socially conscious manner.
• Native hedgerow and wildflowers planted throughout the PML grounds to enhance the flora and fauna biodiversity.
• LED lighting installed throughout the PML buildings, replacing high consuming fluorescent fittings.
• External accolades: We were the winner of the “Regional Chamber Business Award for Green Innovation” 2024, winner of “The Planet Saver” Award at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards 2024, and winner of “Environmental Success of the Year” at the PlymouthLive Business Awards 2021.

Our Renewed Focus (2025-2030)

We have now signed up to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice which has the following aims;.

• Leadership and System Change: A commitment to conduct research sustainably across the whole organisation and throughout our collaborations.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Understanding the impact that our buildings, digital infrastructure and science facilities have on the environment allowing more informed decisions with a focus on using what is already available.
• Sustainable Procurement: Prioritisation of purchasing decisions that minimise environmental impact through adoption of the circular economy approach
• Emissions from Travel: Implementing a ‘Climate Conscious’ approach to travel.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Sharing knowledge and best practice with our partners to achieve greater impact through collective effort.
• Environmental Impact and Reporting: Transparent and consistent reporting of data and our sustainability outputs.

For more information see our Environmental Policy.

Current Activities

Our current activities are focused on the following:

• Development of a Responsible Procurement Policy (embracing environmental, ethical and economic considerations) and guidance for our employees to make more informed decisions to enable its implementation.
• Identification, prioritisation and implementation of mechanisms to reduce emissions associated with data holdings and IT infrastructure.
• Develop a replacement plan to reduce inefficient science and building infrastructure and replace with low-carbon technologies.
• Better understanding of and reduction in our travel associated carbon footprint.