Maximizing customer impact while minimizing our impact on the environment
As industrialization continues to advance, an increase in pollution and waste threatens our water, air, and soil. We have a corporate responsibility as well as a personal responsibility to reduce our impact on the environment and strive for more sustainability. In 2019, Charles River announced goals to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, Scope 3 gas emissions by 15%, and achieve 100% renewable electricity globally by 2030. In the past three years, we’ve reduced gas emissions by 25% and achieved 100% renewable energy in the US.
But the progress doesn’t end there!
To further meet this initiative, our laboratories have invested in a robust recycling program, reduction of hazardous chemicals and waste, and automated systems that require fewer resources.
For instance, in 2022 Charles River’s Accugenix labs identified over 600,000 customer samples. These samples are shipped to our laboratories following national and international shipping regulations, which have strict standards for packaging. All cardboard shipping material is recycled unless it is obviously contaminated with biological matter. We also recycle our pipette tip boxes, consumable packaging, and office papers.
Fewer plastics, less travel
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted potential weaknesses in supply chains for just about every company. Accugenix made considerable efforts to move away from single use plastics and find reusable alternatives where appropriate. We are also part of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative. Charles River is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with integrity, and we expect the same from our suppliers. Each are required to comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the standards set forth in our Supplier Code of Conduct, which mirrors the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative’s (PSCI) Principles for Responsible Supply Chain Management.
Communication technology is also helping us to reduce our carbon footprint. In this global operation, there is an increased need to communicate in real time. Thanks to the pandemic, most people are comfortable with modern communication technology, and we can teleconference anywhere. This reduces the need to travel and the associated environmental impact.
Our microbial identification assays are also designed to minimize the use of hazardous chemicals. We’ve optimized our proprietary DNA extraction and purification techniques to use materials that are safer than what is commonly used in commercial DNA sequencing kits. We’ve also been able to reduce reaction sizes, which results in less chemicals being used overall. Because chemical waste can be dangerous, Accugenix has taken these reduction steps to keep both our environment and technicians safe.
To further increase our sustainability efforts, we have implemented several automated systems. Our laboratory processes are controlled through a custom laboratory information management system (LIMS), which allows us to document sample processing electronically. The LIMS not only prevents errors from occurring and bolsters our data integrity, but also prevents the need for hundreds of thousands of pages of batch records per year! This reduces our paper consumption and the carbon footprint of off-site transportation and archival. We also have liquid handling machines and automated visual aids that ensure efficient processing the first time, preventing the need for retests and additional use of chemicals and consumables.
Charles River’s microbial identification laboratories strive to make responsible and environmentally conscious decisions. We prioritize sustainability and conservation. These changes go a long way toward making a positive impact on the environment and preserving our planet.