Sustainable lab management is now essential to responsible scientific research, requiring leaders to integrate environmental stewardship into their day-to-day operations. Implementing sustainability best practices involves balancing rigorous scientific while reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting eco-friendly processes. Effective laboratory managers utilize effective lab leadership skills to inspire their teams to prioritize sustainability, creating a positive impact both inside and beyond the laboratory.
Each year, Lab Manager honors outstanding individuals through the Leadership Excellence Awards program. New for this year, we introduced the Excellence in Lab Sustainability Award to recognize professionals dedicated to advancing environmentally responsible practices within research environments.
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Uganeeswary Suparmaniam, research officer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, is the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Lab Sustainability Award. Her leadership has led to significant advancements in sustainable lab practices, innovative waste-reduction initiatives, and enhanced environmental responsibility at her institution.
Michelle Gaulin, associate editor at Lab Manager, spoke with Suparmaniam about her commitment to sustainability, the challenges she faces in making lab operations greener, and the strategies she employs to engage and motivate her team.
Q: What inspired you to prioritize sustainability in your lab operations?
“Seeing firsthand how scientific advancements can sometimes come at an environmental cost, I was driven to find solutions that balance innovation with responsibility.”
A: Sustainability has always been at the core of my research and professional journey. My inspiration stems from the urgent need to address climate change and resource depletion, particularly in research-intensive environments like laboratories, which are often high consumers of energy, water, and single-use plastics. Seeing firsthand how scientific advancements can sometimes come at an environmental cost, I was driven to find solutions that balance innovation with responsibility. My work in microalgae cultivation reinforced this commitment, as I witnessed its immense potential to sequester carbon, purify air, and contribute to renewable bio-based products. This realization pushed me to integrate sustainability into every aspect of lab operations, whether through implementing energy-efficient systems, advocating for green chemistry, or pioneering waste reduction strategies. Beyond environmental impact, I believe sustainability fosters a culture of mindful resource management, efficiency, and long-term viability. By embedding these principles into daily lab practices, I aim to set a standard for future scientists and ensure that our pursuit of knowledge actively contributes to a healthier planet.
Q: What are the biggest challenges labs face when implementing sustainable practices, and how have you addressed them?
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A: One of the biggest challenges labs face when implementing sustainable practices is balancing environmental responsibility with scientific requirements. Many traditional lab processes rely on high energy consumption, single-use plastics, and hazardous chemicals, making it difficult to transition without compromising research integrity. Additionally, upfront costs, resistance to change, and a lack of awareness about greener alternatives often hinder sustainability efforts. I tackled these challenges by gradually demonstrating that sustainability enhances, rather than hinders, lab operations. By integrating Artificial Intelligence-driven energy management, reusable materials, and green chemistry principles, I proved that labs could reduce waste and carbon footprints without sacrificing research quality. More importantly, I fostered a culture where sustainability is not an obligation but an innovation driver, inspiring my team to see environmental responsibility as a key pillar of scientific excellence.
Q: Can you share an example of a successful sustainability initiative you implemented and its impact?
A: One of my most impactful sustainability initiatives was spearheading the development of a pilot-scale indoor microalgae cultivation bioreactor to enhance lab air quality and sustainability. This system not only actively removes carbon dioxide and generates oxygen, but also achieved a net-zero carbon status for specific projects, committed to supporting PETRONAS's Net Zero Carbon Emissions (NZCE) 2050 mission. The bioreactor produces algal biomass, which is repurposed for STEM workshops to educate and inspire future scientists. By integrating microalgae-based air purification, my lab not only mitigates its carbon footprint but also demonstrates an innovative, science-driven approach to sustainability, serving as a model for eco-friendly research environments.
Q: How do you encourage engagement and buy-in from your team to adopt greener lab practices?
“I make sustainability a shared responsibility, encouraging team members to propose and lead green initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership.”
A: To drive engagement and commitment to greener lab practices, I prioritize education, empowerment, and inclusion. I start by fostering awareness through interactive sustainability discussions, highlighting tangible benefits, such as cost savings, improved efficiency, and a healthier work environment. I make sustainability a shared responsibility, encouraging team members to propose and lead green initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership. Recognizing and rewarding sustainable efforts, whether through celebrations or shout-outs, reinforces a culture of accountability and motivation. I also ensure sustainability is seamlessly integrated into daily lab routines, making green choices the default and most convenient option. By demonstrating the direct impact of our actions, celebrating small wins, and maintaining open communication, I cultivate a team-driven movement where sustainability becomes second nature rather than an obligation.
Q: What advice would you give to other lab managers looking to make their labs more sustainable?
A: Start with small, high-impact changes. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Sustainability in labs is a journey, not a one-time action. By integrating innovation with eco-conscious practices, lab managers can create research environments that benefit science and the planet.
Uganeeswary Suparmaniam’s career journey
Suparmaniam is a research officer at the HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Sustainable Energy & Resources (ISER), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia. Her career began as a research assistant and researcher at the same institution, where nearly six years of collaboration with renowned Japanese professors instilled in her a meticulous, process-oriented approach shaped by Japan’s precision-driven work culture. In 2020, she was awarded a full scholarship to pursue a PhD in chemical engineering, focusing on microalgae bioprospecting and sustainability.
Suparmaniam’s dual experience as a PhD researcher and lab leader empowers her to translate scientific breakthroughs into scalable, industry-ready solutions while championing green chemistry and STEM outreach. Beyond cultivating high-performance research environments, her leadership emphasizes inclusivity and diversity. As Malaysia’s Women in Tech ambassador, she advocates for equal opportunities for underrepresented groups in STEM.
Suparmaniam redefines lab leadership through a holistic approach that integrates scientific innovation, environmental stewardship, and people-centric management for lasting impact. She believes that exceptional lab leaders transform curiosity into discovery by skillfully balancing precision, purpose, and people, driving progress that resonates beyond the lab.
