Building a sustainable laboratory culture: The power of awareness and strategic training programs

Abstract

Introduction

Climate change, driven by human activities, poses a critical threat to global ecosystems and public health. Healthcare facilities, responsible for 4.4% of global carbon emissions, must adopt sustainable practices to mitigate their environmental impact. Laboratories, as significant energy consumers within this sector, play a pivotal role in promoting sustainability. This study aimed to enhance sustainability awareness through a targeted training program focusing on climate change, carbon footprint reduction, and green chemistry.

Method

A four-session training program covered topics such as energy efficiency, waste management, and eco-friendly laboratory practices. Delivered in both face-to-face and online formats, the program targeted diverse groups, including academicians, resident doctors, technicians, and administrative staff. Participants’ baseline knowledge was assessed using a pre-test, with training effectiveness evaluated through a post-test. A 14-question survey assessed knowledge gains, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS.

Results

Post-training assessments revealed significant knowledge and awareness improvements across all participants, particularly among resident doctors and technicians. Resident doctors excelled in both pre-test and post-test scores. The training format (face-to-face or online) did not significantly impact learning outcomes (p=0.137).

Discussion

The program effectively increased sustainability awareness, demonstrating the value of structured educational interventions. These findings support integrating climate change education into healthcare curricula and highlight the equal effectiveness of flexible learning models.

Conclusion

This initiative underscores the importance of education in advancing sustainable laboratory practices. Its success led to the Antalya Training and Research Hospital’s Medical Biochemistry Laboratory receiving the Green and Sustainable Laboratory Certification from EFLM. Empowering laboratories through innovative training fosters environmental stewardship, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.