Sustainability is becoming a defining priority in laboratory operations, influencing procurement decisions and shaping innovative strategies to do more with less. In this interview, Mike Viskovich, VP of workplace services & ESG at Agilent Technologies, provides valuable insights into measurable ESG progress, circular economy initiatives, and how these efforts are shaping real-world practices across the scientific community.
What should lab managers look for from their vendors and suppliers to help make their labs more sustainable? How can customers evaluate things like ESG progress to see who is contributing tangible benefits to the broader scientific community?
Lab managers should prioritize vendors who demonstrate measurable ESG progress and offer transparent data on sustainability. For example, ACT-labeled instruments provide customers with clear, third-party-verified information to guide sustainable purchasing decisions. Customers can evaluate tangible benefits by looking for reductions in energy use, waste, and emissions, as well as refurbishment programs that can help with lowering costs and environmental impact.
Additionally, lab managers should look for vendors who implement sustainable design philosophies, evaluating the full lifecycle of an instrument. From manufacturing that begins with thoughtful design choices, such as reducing material use through compact engineering to end-of-life strategies like take-back programs that refurbish and repurpose equipment, keeping valuable resources in circulation. Recognitions and awards such as the Sustainable Lab Product Innovation Award further validate a vendor’s commitment to responsible science and industry leadership.
How are sustainability efforts having an impact across the lab and life sciences community? Have you seen any ripple effects already?
Sustainability initiatives are driving real change in the lab and life sciences community. Lab managers are seeing tangible savings through operational efficiency gains. For example, many labs now use ACT-labeled instruments to meet procurement standards and achieve sustainability certifications, reporting benefits like lower energy and solvent consumption, and reduced operating costs. New features and modular upgrades help minimize waste and extend instrument life, supporting circular economy practices. These innovations enable labs to advance sustainability goals without sacrificing analytical performance. Sustainability remains a collaborative, industry-wide effort, with initiatives and ideas spreading through consortia and industry partnerships with many companies’ recognizing lab sustainability as a shared responsibility where more progress can be made when working together toward the common goal of a greener future.
What are the benefits of working with vendors and suppliers who have sustainability as a part of their long-term business strategy?
Partnering with vendors that embed sustainability into their long-term business strategy offers clear advantages. These suppliers are proactively addressing climate challenges and anticipating future regulatory and compliance standards, which reduces risk and avoids costly compliance issues later. This forward-looking approach drives innovation—whether through energy-efficient designs, waste reduction initiatives, or circular programs—helping organizations meet environmental goals without compromising robustness.
Sustainability is not just about products; it fosters transparency and continuous improvement across operations. Vendors who provide verified environmental data enable responsible purchasing decisions and support reporting requirements. This commitment aligns with broader market expectations, including investor priorities and evolving ESG standards, while signaling that sustainability continues to be a priority in the industry.
Ultimately, these actions strengthen trust and create shared value. When sustainability is prioritized, rather than treated as an add-on, partnerships become more resilient and future-focused. In an industry where customers increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, working with like-minded suppliers ensures alignment, credibility, and progress toward a more sustainable future.
If you were speaking directly to a lab leader starting their sustainability journey, what advice would you offer? Are there any lessons you’ve learned during your time in workplace services?
I’d start with the fundamentals: measuring your baseline at the lab level. Go beyond the typical net-zero metrics of energy, water, and waste—focus on what matters most in day-to-day lab operations. Track things like asset utilization and resource consumption (energy, solvents, gases) and pay attention to instruments that sit idle or frequently break down. These insights help identify opportunities for right-sizing or upgrading equipment where it makes sense.
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It is important to think about the complete lifecycle of an instrument, not just purchase price. Evaluate equipment based on its total environmental and operational cost rather than upfront cost alone. This approach ensures decisions are sustainable and cost-effective over time.
Equally important is engaging your teams early and building a sense of community. Sustainability works best when it’s integrated into existing workflows and supported by behavioral change. Incentivizing action and creating spaces for collaboration—sharing best practices can accelerate progress.
One key lesson learned: transparency and data matter. Use credible metrics to track progress and drive internal adoption. While certifications may be more relevant for senior leadership, reliable data at the lab level builds trust and demonstrates impact.
If a lab were going to take one positive step toward being more sustainable, what would you suggest? What are some high-impact actions that are achievable for individual labs?
If a lab wants to take one positive step toward sustainability, the best place to start is with small, practical operational changes that fit easily into daily routines. Look for simple ways to reduce resource consumption that add up over time. Actions like putting instruments on standby or sleep mode when not in use, turning off lights and equipment when leaving the lab, and consolidating supply orders to reduce packaging waste and shipping emissions can make a measurable difference. Digitizing workflows and reducing paper use is another way to cut waste while improving efficiency. These incremental steps are easy to implement, cost-effective, and help build a culture of sustainability that creates momentum for bigger changes later.
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Sustainability is under attack in some quarters today. What are some of the operational benefits of improved lab sustainability? For example, what are some ways that sustainable decisions reduce lab costs?
While sustainability may face criticism in some circles, the reality is that companies are not backing down—studies show that a majority of CEOs plan to maintain or expand sustainability commitments. Beyond protecting the planet, sustainable decisions deliver tangible operational benefits that strengthen a lab’s bottom line. Energy-efficient practices lower utility bills, reducing overall operating costs. Waste reduction minimizes disposal fees and streamlines procurement, cutting material expenses. Investing in preventive maintenance extends equipment lifespans, avoiding costly replacements. Even simple actions like digitizing workflows can eliminate thousands of pieces of paper, saving time and resources. Sustainability isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s a smart business strategy that drives efficiency and cost savings while positioning labs for long-term success
