UCD’s Professor David Brayden Honoured with Sustainable Laboratory Certification
Professor David Brayden has been awarded a prestigious Sustainable Laboratory Certification, recognizing his leadership in advancing environmentally responsible practices in scientific research. The certification was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, as part of a nationwide initiative promoting sustainability in research environments.
A faculty member at University College Dublin (UCD), Professor Brayden’s achievement reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability into its research culture. UCD is an active member of Irish Green Labs, and the award aligns with the university’s Sustainable Research Initiative (SRI), which focuses on reducing the environmental impact of wet labs and embedding sustainable practices across research operations.
As part of this effort, UCD research teams are participating in the internationally recognised My Green Lab certification process, an initiative that supports labs in minimizing their carbon footprint and operating more efficiently. To date, 13 UCD laboratories have earned certification under the programme, showcasing their implementation of best-in-class sustainability practices.
The certification programme is led by Research Ireland in partnership with Impact Laboratories and My Green Lab. It positions Ireland as the first country where a national research funding body has spearheaded a lab sustainability certification process. The Sustainable Laboratory Certification Pilot Programme is a major step in embedding climate-conscious innovation across higher education institutions.
In total, 72 research spaces across 12 Irish institutions were awarded certification. These efforts support the goals of UCD’s Sustainability Plan to 2030 and the Breaking Boundaries Strategy, which aim to position UCD as a "living lab" where sustainability is actively practised, taught, and researched.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister Lawless praised the initiative:
“Research involves more than exploration and discovery; it also demands attention to how we conduct our work and the impact it has on our communities and our planet. I warmly congratulate all the laboratory teams recognised today for their commitment to greener practices. This initiative marks a significant and encouraging step in placing sustainability at the centre of our national research system.”
Professor Brayden’s recognition serves as a milestone for UCD and a symbol of the positive change that sustainable research leadership can foster. His work continues to inspire progress toward a greener, more responsible future in science.
