It is easy to assume that sustainable practices may not be feasible or practical in animal care facilities, given the strict requirements for animal welfare, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance. However, incorporating sustainability initiatives in these facilities can provide significant benefits, including cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Animal care facilities can consume substantial amounts of energy and generate large volumes of waste because they require continuous ventilation and temperature-control systems, as well as extensive use of disposable supplies such as single-use caging, bedding, personal protective equipment (PPE), and packaging materials. Therefore, even small sustainability measures can have a measurable impact. The most effective approach is to focus on reducing resource consumption and waste generation, as recycling alone is insufficient. Many meaningful improvements can be implemented with little additional time or expense, including those discussed below.
- Establish an appropriate cage-changing schedule. Each cage change requires bedding and labor, as well as a wash cycle if the cage is being reused. Changing cages more frequently than animal care and research protocols require increases resource use and may also elevate occupational exposure to animal allergens. In consultation with the attending veterinarian, establish a consistent schedule that can be adjusted when husbandry observations, including cage soiling, or specific strain or protocol requirements warrant a change.
- Operate cage washers and autoclaves efficiently. Depending on the equipment, partial loads may consume the same amount of energy and water as full loads. Coordinate equipment use so that cycles are run only when sufficient loads have accumulated. Facilities considering disposable caging should evaluate the benefits of reduced energy and water use versus the resulting waste generation and the availability of cage recycling or recovery programs.
- Segregate general waste from biohazardous waste. Biohazardous waste is significantly more costly and energy-intensive to treat and dispose of than general waste. Materials such as packaging, paper towels, and cardboard that have not contacted potentially infectious animals or hazardous materials may be managed as general waste or recycled, as appropriate and consistent with facility procedures. Clear signage, staff training, and periodic waste audits can support proper waste segregation and disposal.
- Reduce lighting and ventilation in unoccupied spaces. Install LED lighting, timers, or occupancy sensors in support areas such as storage rooms, corridors, and preparation spaces so that lights remain off when the spaces are unoccupied. Where conditions permit, consider implementing ventilation setbacks during nights and weekends to reduce the energy required for heating, cooling, and air movement. Any proposed changes affecting animal housing areas should be developed in consultation with the attending veterinarian and undergo Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) review and approval when required.
- Purchase with waste reduction in mind. Work with vendors to minimize packaging and select reusable or recyclable materials when feasible. Purchase supplies such as feed and bedding in appropriate bulk quantities, and consolidate orders to reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions. Consider vendor take-back and recycling programs, and use tools such as the My Green Lab® ACT® Ecolabel database to compare the environmental impacts of laboratory products. Order only quantities that can be used before expiration, and share surplus supplies when possible.
- Go paper-light. Electronic or barcoded cage cards and digital recordkeeping systems can reduce paper consumption. These tools can also simplify animal management and recordkeeping and potentially limit the handling of materials to which animal allergens may adhere.
Sustainability in an animal care facility does not require compromising animal welfare, research integrity, or regulatory compliance. By assigning clear responsibilities, evaluating proposed measures before implementation, incorporating approved changes into standard operating procedures, training staff, and tracking results, facilities can reduce waste, conserve resources, and lower operating costs while maintaining high standards of animal care. Contact us to learn more.
This blog was written by members of the Safety Partners’ Sustainability Team.
