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Sustainability

IDRM building surrounded by trees with bicycles parked up out the front of the entrance

Sustainability at the IDRM

At the Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and fostering a culture of sustainability. Through a variety of green initiatives, we aim to integrate sustainable practices into our research and daily operations while connecting with the wider community.


Sustainability Working Group

The IDRM Sustainability Working Group provides a collaborative space for staff, students, and researchers to discuss and implement environmentally friendly practices. From waste reduction and recycling to enhancing our green spaces, the group explores practical ways to make a lasting impact.

We openly welcome new ideas and members, so please do join us to help shape a more sustainable future for the institute.


Sustainability Champions

Our Sustainability Champions lead green initiatives across the institute, supporting staff and researchers in making sustainable choices. They focus on:

  • Information & Resource Signposting – Providing guidance on best practices for sustainability.
  • Advocacy & Awareness – Raising visibility of green initiatives and their impact.
  • Encouraging Best Practice – Promoting responsible and effective environmental actions.

Our Champions

Andrew Brogden

Deputy Building and Facilities Manager


“As Deputy Building Manager, I’m passionate about building on IDRM’s sustainable practices - from improving internal policies to supporting local schools and community leaders.”

James Duggan

James Duggan

Laboratory Manager


“As Lab Manager, I’m proud to support sustainable lab practices and champion the positive changes we’ve made - from energy-saving initiatives to sharing surplus supplies with local schools.”

“The IDRM features some of the most innovative technology installed during construction, significantly lowering energy costs and carbon emissions. The institute ranks 79th out of 203 buildings across the University estate for total carbon/m²—an impressive achievement for a laboratory building.”

Charlotte Houghton, Carbon Reduction Manager at the University of Oxford

Sustainability Highlights

Solar Panels

Solar Panels

9,882kg

of COsaved

Solar Panels

As part of our commitment to renewable energy, IDRM has installed solar panels, contributing to cleaner energy use.

  • CO₂ saved: 9,882 kg
  • Total energy generated: 17,337 kWh (equivalent to 346,000 hours of TV or 8,675 hours of cooking)

The energy generated is used within the building, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.

LEAF Accreditation

LEAF Accreditation

100%

of groups at Silver or Gold

LEAF Accreditation

We’re proud to have achieved 100% Silver or Gold LEAF (Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework) accreditation across all labs in the IDRM. LEAF is a University of Oxford-endorsed initiative that helps laboratories operate more sustainably by improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting responsible research practices. This milestone reflects our strong commitment to environmental sustainability and aligns with the University’s broader goals for a greener future.

Lab Recycling

Lab Recycling

200kg

of ice packs recycled monthly

Lab Recycling

Through our Sustainability Committee, we have introduced several green schemes, including LEAF and Green Impact, to minimise waste and improve lab sustainability.

Key Initiatives:

  • Reusable Mob Caps – Replacing single-use alternatives.
  • Expanded Polystyrene Recycling – Diverting waste from landfills.
  • Pipette Tip Recycling – Reducing plastic waste.
  • Ice Pack Recycling – 200kg of ice packs recycled in September 2024 alone.