IBEC’s seven research groups have undergone the My Green Lab Certification process granted by the My Green Lab organization, all awarded with the highest levels of certification.
On April 2025, IBEC, SuReCAT, NANOMED Spain and the PCB collaborated to carry out the Satellite Event Sustainable Research: Fit for the Future.
The event highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in scientific research. The day combined live-streamed sessions from the international symposium in Heidelberg with local round tables and participatory spaces that gave voice to local initiatives and experiences.
In March 2025, IBEC’s Sustainability Officer visited Institut Públic Lluís Vives to explain how sustainability is implemented in research labs and how simple measures can be adopted in daily life.
As part of their school project on food footprint, the officer also developed a user-friendly CO₂ calculator to help students assess the environmental impact of buying overseas products.
On the 10th of December 2024, IBEC’s Sustainability Committee organized a winter second-hand exchange market in Cluster’s II reception.
People brought clothes, shoes, toys, books, and lab material that they no longer needed to donate.
The clothes left were donated to Fundación piel de Mariposa a foundation that aims to improve the quality of life for families of Butterfly Skin patients, from birth to end of life care.
Right with the incorporation of our Sustainability Officer during the annual IBEC Symposium in October 2024, we not only shared our journey toward more sustainable research practices, but also ensured that the event itself reflected those same values. Our goal is twofold: to inspire attendees to adopt greener practices in their own laboratories, and to lead by example through responsible event organization.
From reducing waste with digital invitations to promoting the use of public transport, and opting for reusable or biodegradable materials. In doing so, we aim to spark change across the scientific community.
On the 21st of June 2024, IBEC’s Sustainability Committee organized a second-hand exchange market in front of the Cluster II reception.
People brought clothes and lab material that they no longer needed and donated them.
The clothes left were donated to Sargim, a foundation supporting vulnerable families both in Hospitalet and Barcelona.
Last June, IBEC participated in the International symposium: Green Labs: Reducing the Impacts of University Laboratories on the Environment organized by the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences in the context of the project ‘Sustainable Laboratories’ (NACH-LABS).
IBEC organized a satellite event at the PCB where the conference was streamed and followed by a very successful session of best practice sharing from local research institutes also committed to sustainability.
IBEC’s Core Facilities and nine of its research groups have undergone the My Green Lab Certification certification process granted by the My Green Lab organization, all awarded with the highest levels of certification.
On the framework of the World Enviornment Day 85 plants of 10 different species were planted at the Helix Garden.
In events organized by IBEC, we aim to share our experience in sustainability with the attendees, so they learn from our experience and can make their laboratories more sustainable.
At the same time, we also take great care to ensure that our events are conducted in a manner that minimizes environmental impact. We strive to incorporate the best sustainable practices into our event planning, such as using reusable or biodegradable materials, reducing waste through digital invitations and recycling, and encouraging attendees to use public transportation.
IBEC Water Bottles are given to all the employees in order to promote the use of water fountains and reduce the consumption of plastic.
In the framework of the Climate Strike celebrated on 27th September 2019, a gathering to collect ideas for sustainable actions was organized. All attendees received an Olive tree. Climate matters! IBEC community moves against climate change
IBEC’s Sustainability Committee calculated the Carbon Footprint of the transport used for commuting on the day Christmas celebration using the kit “How did you come from Barcelona+Sostenible”
IBEC has recently joined two new Sustainability networks that promote Sustainability in our ecosystem.
Barcelona+Sostenible is a network of more than 1,900 organizations in Barcelona committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Fundaciones por el clima seeks to promote the action and commitment of the foundation sector in the active fight against climate change and the inequalities it generates, through the Pact for the climate emergency and social justice.
Publication of the BIST Sustainability Handbook, written by the BIST Sustainability Working Group and illustrated by Marina Juane. This handbook is designed to serve as a practical resource for all members of the BIST Community striving to adopt more sustainable practices.
Within its pages, you’ll discover tips for saving energy in the labs and offices, reducing waste, and embracing sustainable commuting options to get to your research centre. But that’s not all! The handbook also provides valuable insights, data, and links to deepen your understanding of the impact of your daily activities, both at work and at home.